Mum speaks of devastation after 21-year-old Jade Shovlin dies of cancer just months after developing heartburn symptoms

Jade, from Roker, was diagnosed in May with the rare form of cancer and at the time she was given less than two years to live by doctors.

Following her diagnosis, Jade told the Echo that she was “taking it on the chin” and that she was staying strong for her family and boyfriend.

It is this strength that her mum Sharron remembers most about her beloved daughter’s short battle with the illness.

She said: “Jade was so strong throughout it all, being diagnosed with the cancer just did not seem to faze her in the slightest.

”She fought it right the way through and even at the end, you could see how strong she was being despite it all.”

Sharron said her daughter was diagnosed with the illness after she developed heartburn-like symptoms.

She added: “It all started with a pain in her side and what can only be described as heartburn. She was going to the doctors and Jade kept telling them that she knew her own body and that something was seriously wrong.

"With how rare the cancer is, the doctors and nurses didn’t really know what to do or how to treat it properly.

"I hope that anyone who gets the same problems really listens to their own body and to make a decision for themselves on how they are feeling.

"I will always remember Jade but I want to honour her by making people aware that they need to get checked out properly if this happens to them.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the much loved care worker.

Dean Angus remembered her kindness, he said on Facebook: “Tremendous girl, so funny, caring and kind. She would do anything for anyone. Devastated for Jade's family.”

Many passed on their wishes to those who were closest to Jade, including Claire Graham who said: “So sad. She should be planning her future. RIP Jade, my thoughts are with your family at this sad time.”

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