The family of a mother who died of a brain tumour donated £17,500 to the hospice that cared for her.

Helen Koumianakis, of Hendon Lane, Golders Green, spent the final few days of her life at the North London Hospice in Finchley in March this year.

The 33-year-old was close friends with former Blue band member Antony Costa, and he joined family members at the hospice to hand the cash over on Saturday.

Joining Antony were members of Helen’s family including her mother Dora Theodorou, her sister Maria, husband Sotiris and her six-year-old son Jonathan.

After her diagnosis in 2012, the makeup artist’s family launched Helen’s Heroes to raise money to send her to America for life-saving treatment.

Having been overwhelmed by the support and care she received, they decided to give some of the money they raised to the hospice.

Her mother, Mrs Theodorou, said: "We as a family are proud to be donating this money to help North London Hospice.

“North London Hospice were amazing when they looked after our Helen so we are glad that we are able to give back via Heroes For Helen, so the hospice can continue to deliver the care to a high standard looking after and supporting many more families."