It has sadly been announced that Dame Tessa Jowell has died.
A family spokesman made the announcement saying; “It is with great sadness and an enormous sense of loss that we announce the death of Tessa Jowell.”
“She died peacefully at the family home near Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire last night, shortly after 10pm. Her husband David and their children Jessie and Matthew were by her side, with Jessie’s husband Finn, Matthew’s wife Ella, and David’s children from his first marriage.”
The spokesman added: “In addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in recent months doctors tried innovative new treatments which Tessa gladly embraced, but sadly the tumour recently progressed very quickly.
“The family would like to thank people for the overwhelming support Tessa and they have received since she became ill. They have been touched and moved by the response, in both Houses of Parliament; from members of the public; and other cancer patients and their families around the world.”
Dame Tessa Jowell
Gentle Mrs Jowell was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May last year, and after her diagnosis worked tirelessly for as long as she could to help others with cancer to have better access to experimental treatment.
Tributes have poured in from all sides of the Government, Sporting Community and general public from around the World.
The words “empathy, selflessness, humility, courage, dignity, determination” are repeated in the tributes time and again.
Dame Tessa was the catalyst in bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to London in 2012. She thought of the idea in 2002, when she was Culture Secretary, and fought hard to bring the idea to fruition as many of her peers thought that Paris’s bid would win. However, she managed to convince the Government to support the bid, and forged ahead. In 2004, she launched the bid, and when London was awarded with the Games she held full ministerial responsibility for the Games as “Olympics Minister.” She was also appointed Deputy Mayor of the Olympics Village, and was therefore available to assist all those involved in the Games, ensuring it’s overall success.
Lord Sebastien Coe said; “Tessa was not just a close friend, she was a life enhancer. Her contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is easily defined – quite simply, without Tessa there would have been no London 2012, and without Tessa they would not have been the success they were.
“No politician deserves greater credit for the Games. She showed unflinching tenacity in persuading the Prime Minister and the Cabinet that the Government should throw its full weight behind the bid.”
PM Theresa May & Dame Tessa Jowell
Prime Minister Theresa May said; “The dignity and courage with which Dame Tessa Jowell confronted her illness was humbling and inspirational.” Mrs May went on to say “Her campaigning on brain cancer research was a lasting tribute to a lifetime of public service.”
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn said “Devastating to hear the news of Tessa Jowell’s death. From Councillor to Cabinet Minister, her achievements were huge, including helping to bring the Olympics to London. Her strength in raising awareness of her illness and fighting for better treatment for others inspired us all.”
Dame Tessa Jowell With Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said “Tessa Jowell had memorable and lasting achievements to her name – as a popular London MP, a pioneering health minister and as the Culture Secretary who delivered the London Olympics. No-one will ever forget the courage, strength and compassion for others that defined her life, shown in her incredible bravery in facing cancer and her desire to ensure that even while she suffered herself, she helped others who faced similar illnesses. My thoughts are with her family.”
The Chairman of the British Olympic Association Hugh Robertson said: “It is absolutely true to say that the great British summer, one of the best of most of our lifetimes, would probably not have happened without her. Firstly she corralled government support in the early stages, which was not easy to do. The regeneration of Stratford and everything that has happened around there is a tribute to her vision and work……” He went on to say “She couldn’t have done more to deliver London.”
Dame Tessa Overseeing Olympic Venue Progress
Matthew Pinsent, Four-time Olympic gold medal-winning rower said: “RIP Tessa Jowell – absolutely central to the effort to win and stage the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. Her determination and sense of humour surrounding them was infectious.”
David Beckham said “Dame Tessa Jowell was a passionate and amazing woman in so many different ways.”