CANCER SCREENING PLEA AFTER DEATH OF YOUNG MUM
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a mum-of-three who has died of cervical cancer at the age of just 26.
Jess Jackson, described as a “beautiful lady” and a “massive character”, lost her two-year battle with the disease on Friday, June 12.
She leaves behind her three young children Max, seven; Leo, six; and Jenson, three.
Her mother Lynda Gilling has now urged other young women to make sure they attend their cervical screening appointments.
“My daughter knew what she wanted in life,” said Lynda.
“She loved doing things with her three children outdoors, like taking them to the park. They were her world.”
Jess, from Rumney, Cardiff, first noticed typical signs of cervical cancer – which can include unusual bleeding and pelvic pain – at the age of 24.
After tests were carried out in hospital, it was confirmed that the disease was present.
“I was shocked more than anything else. She was so young to have cancer. It was heartbreaking,” added Lynda.
Jess, fondly known to family members as “J”, underwent several rounds of chemotherapy which her mum said made her sick and led to her losing her hair.
Despite making small signs of progress, in January this year the cancer was found to have spread to her stomach and lymph nodes and was deemed terminal.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by one of her close friends, StaceyMarie Osborne, to pay for Jess’ funeral which is set to take place next month.
To donate go to www.gofundme. com/f/a-beautiful-lady-taken-to-soon
“Any money left over will be put into a bank account for her three boys,” said Lynda.
Stacey-Marie said: “Jess was a massive character and fought a very hard battle.
“She was the type of friend you needed in your life to give you a straight, honest answer – and she did just that.
“She was very protective over her friends, but most importantly her three gorgeous boys who have now lost their mum to such a horrible disease. Jess was big, bold and beautiful. The cancer never fazed her and she never wanted sympathy, just love and kindness.”
Every year around 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Wales. It is the most common type of cancer in women under the age of 35.
Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed on June 17 that cervical cancer screening will resume this summer after it was paused during the coronavirus crisis.
Cervical Screening Wales will send out invitations to patients overdue a non-routine repeat screening later this month.