Vale: Jade Goody

British reality television contestant Jade Goody has lost her battle with cancer, at just 27 years of age.

Goody, who appeared in Big Brother 2002, died at home in Essex on Saturday. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008 but the disease spread to her liver, groin and bowel and she was told it was terminal in February.

During her time on the reality show Goody was accused of racist bullying against Indian actress Shilpa Shetty.
Following her eviction from the show, she admitted her actions had been wrong and she subsequently made many public apologies.

Bald from chemotherapy, Goody continued to film chapters of her life, capturing her battle with cancer on camera. Media commentators praised her dignity, analysing her role in modern British culture.

Even in death the cameras will remain firmly fixed on Goody as preparations are made for her funeral. Before she died she told those around her she wanted the service to be a “celebration” of her life.

“She wants it to be a big celebration because it’s her final farewell to everybody,” her spokesperson  Max Clifford said.  “She’s the world’s first reality television star.

“It will be a very Jade Goody event – exactly the way she wants it.”

She is survived by her husband Jack Tweed and sons, Bobby, five, and Freddy, four.

Her mother Jackiey Budden said: “My beautiful daughter is at peace.”

Source: BBC News