Jess radiated kindness and positivity. She was gentle, funny, courageous, and loving, without question, a beautiful person inside and out. Jess loved so many things, walking in the woods, pink blossom on trees, delicious cakes, and herbal teas, preparing travel itineraries, lighting fragrant candles, relaxing baths, fairy lights, fluffy, flat-faced cats, creating and making, films, books, and musicals. She was meticulous in her organisation and planning and recorded all her aspirations and goals in a journal. She was undoubtedly a precious gift; we were so privileged and proud to call her a daughter, sister, and partner.

During the summer of 2020 when our world took on an eerie silence and everything, but the virus, stood still, Jess began to feel unwell. Ever proactive in dealing with her health, Jess sought medical support whilst also doing all she physically could to ease her increasingly debilitating symptoms. Despite her proactive steps, by the time Jess was diagnosed at the end of November, it was too late to treat her advanced and aggressive cancer. During the 3 weeks Jess was in hospital she taught us so much about grace, humanity, dignity, and bravery. Devastatingly, she lost her life on 20th December 2020 aged just 27 years. Nothing could ever prepare us or can ever console us.

It is so important to us that Jess is remembered and she continues to make a difference. She was passionate about raising awareness. In trying to make sense of what has happened, we recognise that Jess’ young age was a major stumbling block in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Our unexpected journey with Jess has led us to meet some wonderful people. It has also highlighted the need for more support, funding, and research.

We have decided to raise money for four charities, ‘4 Jess’.

1. CUP (cancer of unknown primary) research at University College London Hospitals.

The professionalism, efficiency and kindness shown to Jess by Professor Bridgewater and Dr Khurum Khan, at UCLH, was truly humbling. Although, it was too late for her to benefit from their expertise and innovative treatments we hope others will continue to do so.

2. Acute Medical Unit at The Lister Hospital.

Jess was treated on AMU2 for 3 ½ weeks. She was never alone. Andrea, Simon, Hugh and Alex were with her individually or together the whole time. This was achieved through the amazing compassion of the ward matron, Carrie, who made the impossible, possible. Additionally, many staff members showed Jess such tenderness, showing they genuinely cared for her. We would like others to continue to benefit from extra funding given to this ward.

3. Cancer Research UK.

Not only is it vital for continued funding for research and provision of information, as a family, we have benefitted from some wonderful support following the loss of Jess. Thank you, Tom.

4. CLIC Sargent.

An amazing charity that supports everyone under 25 with cancer and their families. Although Jess was 27, we have received compassion and great kindness from them. Thank you, Alina and Alison.

Thank you so much for supporting these worthy causes and remembering our lovely, inspirational, Jess. Simon, Andrea, Hugh and Alex.