Those of you who have been following this petition will know that Jess was a young person of deep integrity, kindness, and compassion. The courage, composure, and dignity she showed in the face of her nightmarish diagnosis were astounding. Jess’ humility reduced medics to tears. But, of course, she was much more than her illness. As a satellite engineer, she was intelligent and resourceful. In her personal life, Jess was a person of dreams and aspirations. Her journal was full of her goals. Although Jess was passionate about travel the majority of her aspirations were not extraordinary. Her hopes for the future were simple. She wanted a home with her partner Alex, cats, and children. Not unrealistic, you would think. Her life was halted mid-flow. No one should have to face their own mortality that young. They certainly should not have to face it feeling they did not have a chance of treatment or any prospect of recovery. Jess was told on the day of her diagnosis she would die. She had 3 weeks, in a hospital bed, dependent upon oxygen.

Jess asked only two things. The first was to ensure that her own GP surgery was made aware of the devastating impact of their negligent treatment. I hesitate to write negligent but the truth is it was appalling and utterly devastating. This petition has been created and driven by Jess’ request. I will continue to honour the promise I made to Jess to raise awareness within Primary Care and improve earlier diagnosis for ALL. We are waiting for our next meeting with The Department of Health and Social Care and remain optimistic that they too are fighting Jess’ corner and want to bring about change, in her memory.

The second thing Jess asked was for us to spend her savings (for the home, cats, and children she wanted) making memories not buying material items. She asked her brother and me to go to America and visit some of the places she had been to, after finishing University. Jess knew her Dad would happily stay at home with the cats. On Thursday, Hugh and I fly to San Francisco to begin our Jessie tour. Every step will be taken with love for her, holding her in our hearts and minds.

Thank you, to all of you, for your invaluable support. Without you, this petition would be nothing. Please continue to share and make people aware. Let’s honour Jess and continue to make her life, although incomplete, inspirational.

We all love you, Jess.