A mother who has been told she has weeks to live has been hailed by friends after deciding to sell her artwork for charity.

Helen Lack, 54, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and is currently fighting the disease in Watford’s Peace Hospice.

The painter, who is married and has two daughters and a son, has her works displayed at the Collective Gallery in St Albans and once sold will give the proceeds to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Mrs Lack’s friends have showered her with heartfelt praise, describing her as “beautiful, powerful and full of love”.

Lorraine Kemble said: “When I first met Helen I thought who is this quirky lady!

“I soon discovered why Helen has so many friends, she has a twinkle in her eye, is nature appreciating, artistic, family loving and a fun lady.

“Helen is beautiful inside and out.”

Watford Observer: A painting by Helen Lack titled Darling, hold my hand.A painting by Helen Lack titled Darling, hold my hand.

Neighbour Carole Trager-Lewis added: “Lovely Helen and her family live next door to us.

“She always has a gorgeous smile on her face and radiates warmth and kindness.

“Her artwork is beautiful, powerful and full of love, just like our Helen.

In March this year Mrs Lack was told she had fully recovered, following which she painted a picture named ‘My dedication to the NHS’ to express her gratitude.

It was then chosen to be displayed on multi screens at Flannels, London’s fashion store in Oxford Street, as part of the #MakeItBlue campaign – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising funds for mental health charities.

Mrs Lack then found out in June that her condition was terminal.

Friend and former neighbour Jo Posner said: “I first heard what an amazing strong lady Helen is when I was told she ran the London Marathon whilst pregnant with her lovely son Aaron.

She didn’t know she was pregnant!

“Over the years Helen and I have become very close friends.

“We have shared many bottles of Prosecco and danced to some cracking 80s music.

“Helen is the kindest loveliest selfless person you could possibly ever meet.

“Even with everything she is going through and been through she never moans or gets angry by the situation she holds her head high and carries on.

“Helens artwork has helped her get through her darkest days as she says it helps her and she has produced some amazing work.”

A number of her paintings are also in many NHS hospitals nationwide.

Anoushka Craig added: “Your friendship means the world to me, you were the gift that came into my life last year and I will cherish that forever.

“I have never in my life met anyone as brave and amazing as you.

“Our warrior! Love you so much.”