23/03/2009

Tributes Pour In For 'Courageous' Jade

Reality TV star Jade Goody has died following a high-profile battle with cervical cancer.

The 27-year-old, praised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, as a "courageous woman" died in her sleep at her home in Upshire, Essex, in the early hours of Sunday.

Fans of the mother-of-two flocked to the house she shared with her sons and her husband Jack Tweed - who she married in a televised ceremony last month - leaving floral tributes and messages of sympathy.

Gordon Brown led the tributes, saying he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"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."

Jackiey Budden, Goody’s mother, who was at her side when she died, said: "My beautiful daughter is at peace. Family and friends would like privacy at last."

Jeff Brazier, father of Goody's two sons Bobby, five, and Freddy, four said he was "grateful the boys were able to say their goodbyes and spend that precious time with their wonderful mother".

"Bobby and Freddie are my absolute priority and I will be doing everything I can to be their rock and to give them all my love and support to get them through a confusing and upsetting time."

Before her death, she planned her funeral service, which her publicist Max Clifford, described as a "Jade Goody Production".

He said: "Jade wanted a celebration of her life. It will be very much a Jade Goody Production with Jade doing her own thing her own way."

Mr Clifford also said Goody had originally given the job of organising the funeral to one of her bridesmaids.

"But within a minute she was saying she didn’t want that and she did want this and how she wanted it to be," he said.

"It will be a celebration, but of course there will be a lot of tears."

The publicist said the funeral would be held at Goody’s church, St John the Baptist in Buckhurst.

No date has yet been made for the funeral, but it is thought it will take place in the next 10 days.

(JM/BMcC)

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