What I remember about Jade’s death is that it was so upsetting for me from the moment she was told she had cancer right up until she died. I do believe she died quite quickly too?
It was all over the TV as she filmed numerous programmes and documentaries about her diagnosis and quick progression in order to raise awareness of cervical cancer.
I remember feeling like the whole country had come to a standstill as her story was very publicised and it was like watching a nightmare unfold. I remember it feeling so unreal to me in a case of, “god, this woman was so bubbly and free-spirited and now here she is dying on our screens at such a young age.”
As I watched her further decline, the fact she had two very young sons who would soon be left without a mother made it to me even more upsetting. I think it touched a lot of people’s hearts.
I watched the documentary about her wedding which she had very shortly before her death and it was so hard to watch. She looked so incredibly ill.
I do believe that cervical screening rates absolutely rocketed after her death which is what I think she had always been aiming for as to the reason she publicly aired her journey so at least she got her wish at the end.
I do not remember anything of Bobby or Freddie (her other son) until Bobby started in Eastenders so I do believe after their mother’s death they were kept out the spotlight, though I may be wrong about that.
I think for young children to lose their mother in such sad circumstances, and for her death to also be one that affected a good portion of the nation is what makes people feel so warm towards Bobby.
At the time it reminded me of Diana’s death and William and Harry losing their mother at such a young age.
Jade’s diagnosis, quick deterioration and death was quite upsetting for many people and like I said, the thought of two young children losing their mother in such an awful way made it seem even worse.
I think a lot of the voters will be of an age where they remember it all being played out and will simply think that Bobby is an amazing man to have coped with what he did and also achieve well.
I read an article recently where Bobby said he barely had any memories of his mum because of how young he was when she died, but most of the nation who are now in their 30’s-40’s (and above) remember her very well and recall what she went though and I think a lot of them will automatically feel a maternal warmth towards Bobby and therefore vote for him.