Who was Helen Rollason, and why is a BBC Sports Personality of the Year award named in her honour?
British icon was the first female TV presenter of the BBC's popular show Grandstand
HELEN ROLLASON has a BBC Sports Personality of the Year award named in her honour.
The iconic TV presenter enjoyed a hugely successful career before she sadly passed in away in 1999, aged 43.
Who was Helen Rollason?
Rollason was an incredibly talented sports journalist and television presenter.
After the started her career on the radio, she covered the 1987 World Student Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics.
In 1990, she became the first female presenter of popular BBC show Grandstand.
She was a regular presenter of Sport on Friday and on children’s show Newsround.
Rollason was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997 – which inspired her to launch the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Appeal.
She aimed to raise £5million for a new cancer ward at the North Middlesex Hospital.
And she continued to work throughout her two-year battle with the disease and a documentary was released called “Hope for Helen”.
She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours before she died.
Why is a BBC SPOTY award named in Helen Rollason’s honour?
The annual award is given for “outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.”
A winner is picked by BBC Sport and it is announced during the glitzy ceremony every December.
Rollasonn won the admiration of millions with her incredible determination and positivity while she battled against cancer.
She said: “I stay working because I love it. And because I feel best on the days when I’m busy. I’d far rather work than hang around the house.”
Who has won the Helen Rollason award?
- 2017 – Bradley Lowery
- 2016 – Ben Smith
- 2015 – Bailey Matthews
- 2014 – Invictus Team
- 2013 – Anne Williams
- 2012 – Martine Wright
- 2011 – Bob Champion
- 2010 – Sir Frank Williams
- 2009 – Major Phil Packer
- 2008 – Alistair Hignell
- 2007 – Oscar Pistorius
- 2006 – Paul Hunter
- 2005 – Geoff Thomas
- 2004 – Kirsty Howard
- 2003 – Michael Watson
- 2002 – Jane Tomlinson
- 2001 – Ellen MacArthur
- 2000 – Tanni Grey-Thompson