Helen Ruth Tyrer MRCPod, MSc, FETC, NMP

We are very sorry to have to inform you that Helen Tyrer died peacefully at home on 13 January 2025 after a short illness.

Helen graduated from the London Foot Hospital in 1983 and took up a post with the then South Manchester Health Authority as a senior II chiropodist. She stayed in the NHS in South Manchester through its various incarnations for 40 years.

In 1988 she was promoted to the post of senior I chiropodist with responsibility for Health Promotion and Training which included developing the skills of newly appointed podiatry assistants. In 2003 Helen was appointed as Chief III Podiatry Practitioner for Diabetes, a specialism in which she held extensive skills. Helen was committed to lifelong learning whether for herself or for her colleagues. Helen gained an MSc in Podiatry and undertook the Non-Medical Prescribing course at Chester University, both of which were critical for extended scope practice. She lectured at Salford University and was also one of the tutors on the delivery of the University of Warwick Certificate in Diabetes Care to all primary and community care staff. Helen maintained her clinical commitments when she became Podiatry Service Lead

In 2010 Helen contributed a Case Analysis and a Case Example for inclusion in the Guide to the benefits of podiatry to patient care. The Case Example was based on her work leading a multidisciplinary community-based high risk foot clinic which was initially funded as part of a NW Tier 2 initiative for improving care for people with diabetes in primary care.

Helen was a deeply private person who was thoughtful, driven and truly wanted the best for her team and her patients. Her love and passion for her chosen career was unwavering: she had an extensive knowledge base and was always available to help and support any staff member who was struggling or asked for support.

Helen was a much-loved colleague and friend. She was talented in many areas outside podiatry. She was an accomplished pianist and had a flair for design, be it in the house or the garden. She also had the talent of buying people the right gift.

She loved children and used to enjoy seeing her godchildren or friend’s children. She, the children and their parents, would go on holiday to Anglesey or further afield. Although Helen didn’t like flying very much, she travelled to Sweden, New York and New Zealand. One year she and her mother went to Romania to help at an orphanage, and they remained in touch with the staff there for many years after.

Helen was extremely kind. Her kindness was discrete and quiet and not for public recognition but because she wanted to. She took time to help friends but didn’t like accepting much herself, preferring to mostly do things her own way, right up until the end. She will be missed.

Obituary written by Andrea Tyrer and Liz Salem