On Wednesday one of Auckland's most inspirational "girls about town" died at home, surrounded by friends and family. Helena McAlpine was a regular on the social scene and everywhere she went she made people laugh.
Spy knew McAlpine to be a no-nonsense, get-things-done girl who liked to work hard, often for others. She also enjoyed life to the full on the Auckland social scene.
A former C4 television presenter, McAlpine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and since then has helped to build awareness about the disease, fundraising on the frontline and becoming a poster woman for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
In December last year, McAlpine, who has a teenage daughter, Shannon, married the love of her life, investment banker Chris Barton, in an enchanting forest ceremony in Opoutere, surrounded by the close-knit group of friends who had been with her throughout her seven-year battle.
In 2012, the cancer she had been fighting came back and the prognosis was terminal.
In November that year, friends surprised her with a party for 1000 people at Vector Arena. Her tearful but joyful reaction was a priceless moment that will always remain with the guests.
