All the best Helen Kelly

Written By: notices and features - Date published: - 49 comments
Categories: health, The Standard - Tags:

Oh No.

Union boss: I’ve never smoked and I’ve got lung cancer

The head of the Council of Trade Unions has confirmed she has lung cancer.

In an email to union delegates, Helen Kelly says she is undergoing further tests to determine the extent and nature of the cancer.

The 50-year-old says she feels remarkably well – all things considered and that rumours of her “demise” are exaggerated.
…
She doesn’t wish to comment further at this stage.

Helen – all the best from your friends at The Standard. Please respect Helen’s wishes and don’t seek or expect comment.

49 comments on “All the best Helen Kelly”

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  2. 2

    Quick google of lung cancer survival rate:
    “For instance, 52 percent, or about half, of people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer live for at least five years after diagnosis. The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body is 4 percent.”

  4. 4

    Helen, do what makes you happy. Don’t stop doing that. All the good work you have done will be picked up by others . Look after you and yours – knowing people love and respect what you have done. Time for you – for a bit, ah.

  5. 5

    Thank you for all the good work you’ve done over the years, Helen, and wishing you all the best for your recovery. Kia kaha.

  9. 9

    Bah…

    You got guts girl and anyone who keeps this Government’s feet to the fire as you have been doing can do anything. be well.

  11. 11

    Very, very saddened to hear this. I admire Helen Kelly a lot and this hurts.

    Best wishes and know there are a lot of people wanting nothing but the best for you.

    1. 13.1

      Indeed, as a non smoker and assuming an early diagnosis there’s no reason not to expect the best.

      All the best to her.

  15. 15

    you have been one of the few speaking out/up for those who are unrepresented..

    ..and for that you have my utmost respect..

    ..aside from that..cliches bubble up..but words fail me..

    (except maybe:..’bugger..!’..)

  16. 16

    All of the above,
    and some words that a good friend found comfort in during their fight, that they won.

    “I don’t pretend to understand the Universe – it’s a great deal bigger than I am.”
    Thomas Carlyle

  18. 18

    Hope she recovers quickly. A friend of mine now a retired marine engineer who has never smoked and is in his 60s has just been diagnosed too with lung cancer! Frightening!

  19. 19

    Shitty luck to get the big C when you are not a smoker
    Hope the treatment goes well

    Wonder if second hand smoke from all those old guys in ” smoke filled rooms” is a factor, not that that matter
    Kia kaha

  20. 20

    Helen, I have always admired you for your guts and great work. I felt sad reading the news this morning. My very best wishes and prayers are with you. So too I am sure from hundreds of thousands of people all around the country and elsewhere. With your usual temperament, courage, attitude, care and gutsy nature, I think you can beat it. Be strong and take care. Cheers and God bless.

  26. 26

    Helen is a fighter many more years in her yet.

    How ironic watching Question time and idiot Bridges comes on saying the minimum wage is mostly being paid to young people under 25. If that’s young how old is old 100.

  27. 27

    Bugger. Kia kaha, Helen. Wishing only the very best for you in every single way. Stay strong and vibrant — indeed, you are the examplar Kiwi virago.

  30. 30

    Best wishes from all members of the Cambridge Branch NZLP .
    A great fighter like you will certainly over come this set back. Just remember the workers need you .Best best wishes from the workers of the World !!

  36. 36

    Sorry to hear this Helen. A let-up on your schedule and some good quick treatment and the rest and good diet and getting to it quickly, is the answer. Cheers and best wishes for speedy improvement.

  37. 37

    I am so sorry to hear that about Helen. She has been a major champion of the working people I say why not me too I should have it also. If you get thru it some how you deserve it .

  40. 40

    Echo the other well-wishers.

    Also my mother had lung cancer – 9 years after giving up smoking. She’s still here 20 years later. Eminently beatable. Best of luck (because sometimes that’s what it is).

  44. 44

    Always admired your work ethic and your spirit. I’m sure those aspects put towards your recovery will triumph. All the best.

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