‘Wise, loyal, tough and tenacious’ Tessa Jowell
PLANS for a £40m Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Research Fund have been announced following the “inspirational” politican’s death at the age of 70.
The former cabinet minister died at home on Saturday evening after being diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.
The doubling of UK Government investment in brain cancer research comes alongside plans for an annual “Tessa Jowell global symposium” which will bring together the “best clinical, scientific and academic minds on brain cancer”.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Baroness Tessa Jowell faced her illness with dignity and courage – and it was a privilege to host her in Downing Street recently to discuss what more we can do to tackle brain cancer. We send our sincere condolences to her family – and I hope that the actions we are taking now and in the future to improve care and research for those confronting a terrible disease will form part of the lasting legacy of an inspirational woman.”
Former prime minister Tony Blair, in whose cabinet Dame Tessa served as Culture Secretary, said she would be remembered for being “the most wise of counsellors, the most loyal and supportive of colleagues, and the best of friends”.
He said: “There was no-one like Tessa and no-one better. I will miss her more than I can say.
“My thoughts and prayers, and those of Cherie and all the family, are with David and her wonderful family, of whom she was justly very proud.”
Highlighting her work in the implementation of the Sure Start programme, as well as her drive to narrow the pay gap, Mr Blair hailed her “remarkable” achievements.
She was also instrumental in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Lord Sebastian Coe, former chairman of the London Organising Committee, said there would not have been a London 2012 without her.
He said: “No politician deserves greater credit for the Games. She showed unflinching tenacity in persuading the Prime Minister and the Cabinet that the Government should throw its full weight behind the bid.
“And long after the Games were over, Tessa continued to fight for their legacy. Without her, the sporting landscape of the UK would have looked very different, and so many other tangible legacies left dormant. I will miss her enormously.”
Former acting Labour leader Harriet Harman said Dame Tessa was “no softie”, adding: “She was clever and tough.”
“Tessa was my MP neighbour for 23 years, always courteous and polite with local agencies, hospitals and schools.
“But if they were misleading, uncaring or obfuscating, she would be tougher than anyone – and forensic with it.
“But above all she wanted to see Labour in government, and when we were she took her unique style and deep personal commitment into the heart of Whitehall.”
After being diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2017, Dame Tessa worked to raise awareness about the realities of cancer, and made an impassioned plea in Parliament for better treatments for patients.
Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of the Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Tessa Jowell’s courage and honesty in speaking about her brain tumour diagnosis, coupled with her fierce determination to improve the lives of others affected by the disease, has already brought hope to an often-forgotten community of patient and families.
“As at so many times in her life, she has been an extraordinary driving force for change. Her passionate support for more flexible clinical trials for brain tumour patients, and for global data-sharing to improve understanding of the disease, will have a real and lasting impact in our quest for a cure.”
Rhondda Labour MP Chris Bryant said: “It’s impossible to sum up the sense of sadness I feel at Tessa’s passing. But the joy of a life welllived, of a person of deep compassion, who gave so much to others, outlives everything and inspires us all to look above the mundane and seize life with both hands.”
Baroness and Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson saluted her “incredible” work, saying: “Tessa always talked about the Olympics and Paralympics. Why is this important? Because she made us feel valued. Not just an add-on.”
Aberavon Labour MP Stephen Kinnock said: “Every minute of every working day, Tessa was motivated by, and dedicated to, the service of others. She really was the best of politics and the best of humanity. An inspiration to us all.”
Swansea West Labour MP Geraint Davies said: “Tessa Jowell was a lovely person who radiated the warmth of humanity and made a lasting difference to the lives of so many now and to come.”
Gower Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi said she was “an inspiration to all of us” and that she “will never be forgotten for her achievements”.