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Residents at Falstone Manor care home in Roker who she used to care for, alongside their carers who were Jade’s colleagues, could be seen watching out of the windows of the home as the event took place on Cliffe Park.

Mum speaks of devastation after 21-year-old Jade Shovlin dies of cancer just mon...

Jade was diagnosed in May with cancer of the oesophagus and doctors told her that it would be incurable – giving her less than two years to live.

Friends and family of Jade Shovlin gathered to release balloons in her memory.

The event on Friday, August 14, was organised by her friends and it was the first event since her death on the night of Wednesday, August 12, to honour her life.

Crowds of at least 60 people gathered to take part, including Jade’s mum Sharron, her brother Matthew and her sisters Jennifer and Jessica.

Various songs from One Direction, who were Jade’s favourite band, could be heard playing out of speakers as everyone got ready to let go of their balloons.

At the end, one single balloon in the shape of a pig, was released to remember the 21-year-old’s dream which she unfortunately never got the chance to fulfil – to swim with pigs in the Bahamas.

Jade Shovlin died earlier this week aged 21.

After the release, her mum Sharron spoke to the crowd, saying: “The thing that Jade loved the most in life was to eat and drink as much as she could.

"So I want to say, enjoy your lives, eat and drink as much as you want and just live it the best you can.”

Bethany Ellis, one of Jade’s friends, helped to organise this evening’s event.

She also took the time to pay tribute to the care worker following the balloon release.

Crowds gathered at Cliffe Park in Roker for a balloon release in memory of Jade Shovlin.

She added: “Jade had a heart of gold and her motto was to ‘live life to the full’. In honour of Jade, please live your life as you never know what’s round the corner.

"Just remember Jade’s beautiful smile, she will be looking down on everyone here.”

Bethany also thanked everyone for coming along and showing their support for those who were closest to Jade at this difficult time.

A message from the Editor:

From left: Jade's mum Sharron with children Jessica, Jennifer and Matthew Shovlin.

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Crowds gather in Sunderland's Cliffe Park to honour 21-year-old Jade Shovlin with a balloon release

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.