Tributes have been paid to a brave and teenager who died after a long fight against her cancer.
Jessica Smalley, 18, and her parents Karen and Graham, who run the Spinning Jenny pub in Accrington, only learned her illness was terminal a few months ago. She died on Monday, May 4, following an infection which she was too weak to fight.
Jess, as she was known, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, after doctors found a tumour in her pelvis two years ago. Following months of chemotherapy, the Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School student had her leg amputated last year.
After the tumour then split off she had an operation to remove bone fragments from her lungs, but doctors broke the news the cancer was terminal before she could have a second operation.
Her aunt Alison Smalley, 50, speaking on behalf of the family, said she remained remarkably strong despite her condition, and bravely faced up to losing her leg in a bid to beat the condition.
She said: “She was everybody else’s rock, whereas we should have been her rock. She was so impressive and brave - she wouldn’t let it beat her. We’re devastated, but in a way it’s a blessing that she didn’t suffer. She died peacefully in her sleep.
“It was still a shock. She had gone through so much - I think in the end she just got tired, it was her time to go. There’s a big void in our lives.”
Alison described Jess, who loved shopping and socialising with the many friends she had in the community, as a “typical teenager” and said she was determined to fight her illness.
She added: “Jess was very strong-willed and knew what she wanted in life - and usually got it as well. She was an amazing person.
“She never complained and she was an inspiration to all of us. She took to the heart of everyone that she met.”
Jess, who was a former St Peter’s Primary School pupil, leaves her parents Karen and Graham, her sister Jennifer, her brothers Ben and Danny, her grandparents Edna and Joan, her partner James and her many aunts and uncles.
In a statement Jess’s distraught parents said they were very proud of the courage their daughter showed throughout the ordeal.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11.15am at St Peter’s Church in Accrington.
Everyone welcome.
