Family and friends gather to celebrate life of Helena McAlpine

The Breast Cancer Foundation paid tribute to McAlpine, described in a family notice by her daughter Shannon, 15, as a "hero mum". Photo / Brett Phibbs

Helena McAlpine's funeral, a celebration of her 37 years, will be held tomorrow at the St James Theatre on Lorne St in Auckland.

The service will start at 2pm and an "after party" will be held in her honour at the Sweat Shop Brew Bar on Sale St.

"All welcome but will be standing room only, so wear comfy shoes," one of her friends who is helping organise the service posted on Facebook.

McAlpine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. By 2011 it seemed she had beaten it but the cancer returned. In January 2012 she was told she had only months to live.

She had surgery to remove her ovaries but 18 months later was told the cancer had spread to her liver and bones and was given a prognosis of between one and three years.

The treatments to manage her symptoms and prolong her life were punishing. But she devoted her time and talents to the Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness.

She shared her story through magazine features, at speaking engagements, on television through documentaries and in current affairs.

She featured in two national TV awareness campaigns for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, and in educational DVDs, voiced radio ads and lent her face to education posters and fundraising appeals.

The Breast Cancer Foundation paid tribute to McAlpine, described in a family notice by her daughter Shannon, 15, as a "hero mum".

Shannon and her mother, Helena. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

"A champion in the fight against breast cancer, unstoppable in her determination to get a message to every woman in New Zealand about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. She inspired us all. We at the NZBCF are so grateful for the life of Helena McAlpine and so sad to have lost her - we will miss her so much."

British-born McAlpine moved to New Zealand age 22.

Tomorrow's service will be filmed and uploaded to the internet about 4pm so Helena's family and friends overseas can watch the farewell.