Jade

I'm not a fan of reality TV, and most definitely not a fan of Big Brother. Jade Goody burst onto our TV screens six or seven years ago. Although I didn't watch the programme, I remember the furore in the media about this 'thick as pigshit' girl who was common as muck etc etc etc.

Look at how she blossomed in the intervening years, into a beautiful young woman who was a wonderful Mother. Into a strong, brave lady who fought her cancer in the public eye but still always put the needs of her kids first.

Today Jade passed away. If the newspaper reports last weekend were true, she wasn't expected to last past last Sunday, but she fought for a further week. There have been lots of people who criticised her decision to stay in the public eye during her illness so that she could earn enough money to assure the future of her little boys - but you have to applaud her for looking into the future and wanting to give her kids the things she never had.

She fought her battle with dignity and I think she has had the last laugh on all those who dismissed her when she first came into the public eye as a worthless nobody. Her illness and untimely death have spurred and will continue to spur thousands of women worldwide to go for their smear tests (me included, mine is long overdue). Worthless? No. Priceless, precious and an inspiration? Yes.

RIP Jade.