Helen Muscat, one of the founders of the Malta Hospice Movement and the chairperson and co-founder of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation and a true inspiration, passed away this morning at the age of 57.

Last December, President George Abela awarded Mrs Muscat the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika for her active support and campaigns to give breast cancer patients a better quality of life.

Being an active healthcare campaigner, Ms Muscat drew on her own experience to help and encourage these patients live a normal life the best way possible.

“I developed breast cancer in 2004 but rather than dampen my spirits, the experience gave me the opportunity to understand other sufferers and encouraged me to support them live through their situation with faith and dignity,” Mrs Muscat said at the time.

Ms Muscat qualified as a state registered nurse and went on to specialise in palliative and breast care nursing. She worked in surgery and obtained the post of Ward Sister at the Kingston General Hospital (Hull).

On moving to Malta she helped in the setting up of the Malta Hospice Movement and the Breast Care Support Group. Later she moved into developing rehabilitation service for the elderly, spending eight years as hospital matron at Zammit Clapp Hospital.

Ms Muscat served as matron at two private hospitals and on several committees, including the monitoring of the National Advisory Committee on Breast Screening.  Her career in healthcare spans over 40 years.

Ms Muscat had been battling breast cancer for some eight years but despite her relapses she continued to radiate energy and encouragement to those going through the experience.

Mrs Muscat had also lobbied for the creation of a specialised breast cancer unit to be established at Mater Dei Hospital, arguing that one of the most important things was to get the whole team of professionals working together, in one place. A specialised unit, she believed, would also reduce the mortality rate by providing the best possible specialised interventions.