In Memory of Jade Goody

BBC News Report

Jade died at home with her family in Upshire, Essex, in the early hours of Sunday after a high-profile battle with cervical cancer.

Her mother Jackiey Budden, who was at her side as she died, said: "My beautiful daughter is at peace."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was "deeply saddened" by the news and described Goody as "a courageous woman both in life and death".

"The whole country has admired her determination to provide a bright future for her children.

"She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and her family can be extremely proud of the work she has done to raise awareness of cervical cancer, which will benefit thousands of women across the UK."

Goody shot to fame after being a contestant in the third series of Big Brother in 2002 and was taking part in a version of the show in India last year when she was told of her illness.
Ms Budden asked that the family be left to grieve in peace.

The disease spread to her liver, groin and bowel and she was told it was terminal in February.

The star had been treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London but wanted "to spend all the time she had got left" with new husband Jack Tweed and sons, Bobby, five, and Freddy, four.

Jade died at home at 03:14 GMT on Mother's Day. Her body was taken out of her home shortly before 0800 GMT.

Speaking outside the home, Ms Budden said: "Family and friends would like privacy at last."

Mourners started arriving at the house to pay tribute to Goody within minutes of the news breaking.

Jackie Marron, who was among those leaving floral tributes at the gates, described Goody's work to highlight the risks of cancer as an "inspiration".

"The way she's done her things is absolutely fantastic... her courage, her guts," she added.

Kim Luther, who sold Goody her home, remembered her fondly as "the girl next door, the normal girl".

Laying a bunch of flowers, she said: "She's our our Essex princess. And she will be remembered like that. She's shown awareness. She's shown that you know it can happen to absolutely anyone, this awful illness. "