Helen Porteous

Helen Porteous (played by Helen Shingler) is a friend of Olive and Philip Martel, and mother of Peter Porteous in the LWT series Enemy at the Door. She owns a farm, and uses a wheelchair to get about.

Biography
She was widowed in the Great War, leaving her with their son Peter. At some point she had an unnamed accident or illness that resulted in her needing a wheelchair. Because of this Peter is reluctant to leave her and becomes trapped on the Island once the Germans arrive. Helen, however, knows that he would rather be in the Army and encourages him to make his escape attempt, despite her fears for his safety.

She is always willing to try and give aid to others when needed - whether running a children's charity, or providing work for Betty Ridge.

Behind the scenes
The tie-in novelisation states that her husband, an RFC Captain died on the Somme and that Helen suffered an attack of inafantile paralysis when Peter was young, paralysing her from the waist down.