Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell has lost her year-long cancer battle at age 70.
The former Blair minister past away within the loving care of her family. Ms Woodward, better known as Deliciously Ella, paid a touching tribute to her mother-in-law.
The Dame was diagnosed with a gliobastoma multiforme brain tumour last May.
Since her illness, she has fought for better treatment and funding for cancer patients.
In January, Dame Tessa gave a speech to the Lords in the upper chamber highlighting the need for better care.
The former labour veteran raised the issue of underfunding in neurological cancers, which receive only 2% of research monies and have had no new vital drugs for the past 50 years.
Thank you for so much love and support on my birthday. More people living longer better lives with cancer is my birthday pledge pic.twitter.com/VPvvFrwDQS
— Tessa Jowell (@TessaJowell) September 17, 2017
Tessa explained to the Lords the reality of having cancer in the UK.
"Cancer is a tough challenge to all health systems, and particularly our cherished NHS.
We have the worst survival rate in western Europe. Partly because diagnosis is too slow. Brain tumours grow very quickly and are hard to spot."
"In the end, what gives a life meaning is not only how it is lived, but how it draws to a close.
I hope this debate will give hope to other cancer patients like me so that we can live well with cancer, not just be dying of it. All of us, for longer," she added.
Huge progress for brain cancer patients today. Thanks to Gov, friends & many more for commitment to create a new future to beat this disease pic.twitter.com/gbhdCAn4JO
— Tessa Jowell (@TessaJowell) February 22, 2018
The Dame continued to explain how her diagnosis came about and the speed of which everything had happened.
“I was on my way to talk about Sure Start projects. I got into a taxi but couldn’t speak. I had two powerful seizures. I was taken to hospital.
Two days later, I was told that I had a brain tumour, glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM. A week later the tumour was removed by an outstanding surgeon at the National Hospital in Queen Square. I then had radio and chemotherapy.”
Dame Tessa declared the disease has “a very poor prognosis”.
Her speech was so moving and powerful that she was the first person to ever receive a standing ovation from the Lords.
Tributes have poured in for Dame Tessa, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said:
"There was no-one like Tessa and no-one better. I will miss her more than I can say."
Mr Blair highlighted her "remarkable" achievement for the implementation of the Sure Start programme and her drive to narrow the pay gap.
Prime Minister Theresa May said in a tweet, how Dame Jowell confronted her illness was inspirational and extended her sympathies to her family.
The dignity and courage with which Dame Tessa Jowell confronted her illness was humbling and it was inspirational. My sympathies to her loving family - Dame Tessa’s campaigning on brain cancer research is a lasting tribute to a lifetime of public service. pic.twitter.com/4KIULm0Stb
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) May 13, 2018
Former prime minister Gordon Brown said: "No-one will ever forget the courage, strength and compassion for others that defined her life.
"[That was] 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."
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
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 13, 2018
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the news was "devastating" and highlighted her achievements which included the London Olympics.
