One of Nikki Rollason’s most endearing memories from her childhood is of her mum, in their lounge, surrounded by newspaper back pages.

“It was just part of our life – her doing her research, really being curious and wanting to make sure the job she did was the absolute best,” says Nikki.

Helen Rollason was a trailblazer in sports broadcasting as the first woman to present the BBC’s flagship Grandstand programme. She also presented coverage from the Olympics, Paralympics, Wimbledon and Commonwealth Games.

Rollason continued to front sport bulletins on BBC News after being diagnosed with colon cancer, which later spread to her liver and lungs, in 1997.

She died two years later at the age of 43, but her legacy lives on. At this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, the Helen Rollason Award – which recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity – celebrates its 25th year.

“My mum was so humble, I think she would be really shocked that it’s still going 25 years later, but we’re really proud of that legacy,” says Nikki, who was 16 when her mum died.

“Mum was such a trailblazer and for me the award really encapsulates that, but also I love the fact that it also encapsulates her spirit and her attitude – the fact she was like: ‘Yes, something’s happened, but we need to keep going, and what can I do to make things better?’

“It’s really lovely to feel like her name is still out there. Obviously as the years go on, it’s a bit different, but she’s still remembered. It means a lot to us.”