HELENA Boyce has taught thousands of children and young people how to dance in Hampshire.

She even taught former Britain’s Got Talent contestant “Poppin’ Ron” some of the moves that got him to the semi-final in 2013.

Well known for her curly hair and fierce dance moves, she now faces her biggest battle – her second fight against cancer.

The dance teacher, who previously danced alongside R&B superstar R Kelly, was first diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.

Helena was in the bathroom when she brushed against her breast and noticed a lump which she described was the size of a small egg.

She said: “I knew almost instantly it was cancer. I was angry, shocked and confused.

“I was at the peak of my physical fitness with only 15 per cent body fat. I was preparing to enter into body building competitions.

“As someone who has never smoked and rarely drinks alcohol, I didn’t think it would happen to me.”

Within two hours of receiving the devastating news, she was hosting her son’s birthday party.

Helena, who has teaches at a number of schools in Hampshire including Bitterne Park and Calmore Junior School, then had six courses of chemotherapy as well as a mastectomy.

Whilst receiving cancer treatment Helena continued to teach because she was worried about the effects not working would have on her family.

Now the mother of two, faces her second battle after discovering a lump in the same place.

“Doctors told me there was little chance of the cancer returning following the mastectomy, but as soon as I felt it I knew it was back,” she said.

After Helena finished her first breast cancer treatment she suffered anxiety attacks, something that she is worried about this time round.

“I have always been a strong person. The first time around it was easier. I knew I had cancer and I was ready to fight it.

“This time it is more difficult. I don’t have answers and it is completely out of my control.

“My biggest fear is not being able to be there for my children. I am making plans for Easter not knowing if it will be the last one I will spend with them.”

Previously Helena kept a blog documenting her cancer journey, this is something she intends to do this time.

The vlog tackled difficult topics and questions regarding breast cancer and even featured her two children, Dowayne Jr and Rosario, cutting off her statement curly hair which has earned her the nickname “Noodles” from the school children she teaches.

Now Helena and her long-term partner Dowyane, co-owner of Coco Lounge in Southampton, will be holding a fundraising event on April 21 at the bar to raise money for Southampton General Hospital’s cancer care ward.

Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Cathie McEwing will also be at the event which begins at 5pm.

“The doctors and nurses at Southampton General are so modest.

“The work they do literally saves lives every day and I wanted to do something to give back.

“When I asked one of the lead surgeons what I could do to help support, he said to write the letter, even though I know they could do with finical support. They are so humble they did not even mention money.

“This fundraising event will be able to offer support for things the ward needs.”