Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager, Helen Jones, has recently been ordained ahead of an exciting new career in the church.

Helen picks up her story from here:

"I've been a Christian for many years and my faith has always been a really important part of my life and actually, a motivating factor in my work within the Macmillan Information and Support Service - bringing God's hope, comfort and help to people going through one of the most difficult times in their life.

I've wondered for many years whether God was calling me to ordained ministry and a more public role in sharing my faith and ministering to and supporting others. After a very lengthy vetting process, the Church of England said yes, and I have spent the last three years training at St Hild College, Mirfield, whilst working full-time.

I was ordained in Bradford Cathedral on 1st July, and it was one of the most profound, moving and joyful days of my life. I have already started a role as a part-time curate (trainee vicar) at Holy Trinity Church, Huddersfield where I am looking forward to new challenges and new ways to serve and support people which bring together my faith, love for God and love for other people."

Helen will be handing over the Macmillan reigns at the end of August when she’ll become a full-time Reverend.

Former Lead Cancer Nurse, Chris Button, and Lead Cancer Manager, Mo Overton, went along to the service too. Mo said: "Helen is an incredible person, who whilst working full-time for the good of cancer patients and their relatives, has been undertaking intensive training at weekends to get to a place where she could be ordained. The ceremony was wonderful."

Chris, Helen and Mo are pictured and more photos from the day are below.