Charity ball raises funds in memory of Yeovil teenager

The total sees Jess’s family and friends smash through their £100,000 fundraising target for Teenage Cancer Trust, the charity that supported her through treatment.

Life completely changed for Jess, from Yeovil, after she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2014.

Her dad Dave Thomas said: “Jess was fiercely independent and loved gymnastics, beauty and travel.

“She was pretty cross to be diagnosed with cancer as it meant all her plans, like doing her A Levels and a holiday to Portugal, had to be put on hold.

“She saw it all as a massive inconvenience more than anything, and I don’t think that she thought for one moment that cancer would end her life.”

Jess was admitted to the Bristol Haematology and Oncology centre, where she was treated on Teenage Cancer Trust’s specialist ward, Area 61.

Teenage Cancer Trust funds 28 units within NHS hospitals for teenagers and young people with cancer which are staffed by specially trained nurses and youth workers.

Jess’s step-mum Julie Thomas, said: “She was initially treated on the paediatric unit at Yeovil, and it was quite a young environment for a 17-year-old, so she transferred to the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Bristol for her treatment.

“The unit was more like a youth club with a recreation and entertainment room, and she was able to sit and chat with other young people who had cancer, leading to some frank conversations.

“Being around other young people who understood what she was going through made a difference, and she made friends and grew close to her Teenage Cancer Trust nurse.”

Dave continued: “Jess just wanted to keep life as normal as possible. “When she lost her hair, she got even more into beauty and planned to pursue that as a career when she recovered.

“I remember walking with her to Costa at the hospital to get a coffee and she was without her wig but had done her make-up beautifully and a woman stopped her to tell her how beautiful she was.”

Jess's friends Elena, Ellie and Maddy at the Memory Ball on Saturday (Image: Contributed)

Jess, grateful for the care she received from Teenage Cancer Trust, started fundraising for the charity with the aim of raising £5,000, supported by Dave, Julie, her mum Kathy and her younger brothers Ollie and Josh.

She went through 15-months of treatment but tragically complications ensued, and she died aged 18 in January 2016.

Jess’s mum Kathy Thomas said: “Jess was brave beyond words and put others before herself throughout her battle with cancer.

“She was the most loving, determined and beautiful daughter who was wise beyond her years.

“It was such a shock to lose her in the January of 2016. “She was so inspirational in her bravery, determination and desire to help others that she has inspired all who loved and knew her to continue her fundraising. Forever proud of my beautiful brave Jess.”

Dave added: “Two months after she died, I ran the Bath Half Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust, something she knew I planned to do.

“It was an incredibly hard race, but I was adamant I still wanted to do it, and I got through it.”

Over the past eight years Dave, Julie, Kathy, Ollie, Josh and Jess’s wide circle of friends have continued to fundraise tirelessly in her memory and in doing so have ensured that many other young people have been able to benefit from Teenage Cancer Trust’s support.

Alongside Saturday’s ball, a sponsored ‘Memory Walk’ themed around Jess’s 18-years of life, marathons, swimathons, Tough Mudder, and all manner of other events have helped her family, and her friends, reach the incredible £100,000 total.

Dave said: “Honestly, I think Jess would think we’re ridiculous with some of the things we’ve done over the years – she absolutely hated running - but I think she would have really enjoyed the ball.

“So many people have worked so hard to reach this total, and I’m particularly proud of my sons Ollie and Josh, as they’ve been through so much losing their sister.

“Jess also had a lot of friends, and their support has been outstanding over the years – particularly her friends Ellie, Elena, Maddy and Josie.”

Ollie Thomas, Jess’s brother, said: “Me, my sister and brother have always been very close.

"I was always able to go to her about any of my problems and she would be there for me without hesitation. She was a great listener, and always had a positive outlook.

“She’s the bravest, most kind and supportive person I have ever known and one day I hope to be like her.

“It’s always going to be tough for everyone who knew her but the memories we have will always stay with us and she is watching over us everywhere we go.”

Jess’s other brother Josh added: “Jess was an amazing older sister to me and Ollie. It was the J2O trio we called ourselves.

“Jess was so funny and smart and always helped me and Ollie and navigate our way through life. She was so brave, and I'll be forever proud to call her my older sister.”

242 people attended the family’s third Memory Ball on Saturday 28 September, which was held at Haslebury Mill Tithe Barn in Crewekerne. Auction prizes donated by air balloon company Lighter than Air and Somerset County Cricket Club helped boost the fundraising total, while sponsorship from Somerset Surgical Services, Yeovil Orthopaedic Clinic, MOMUS safety, The Prince of Wales Pub (Ham Hill), ROSE engineering, Nest associates and AJ Fencing covered all overheads for the ticketed event.

Alongside this, Lighter than Air brought the ‘Spirit of Jess’ Teenage Cancer Trust hot air balloon to the event, wowing guests as they arrived at the venue.

Dave said: “I always thought I’d stop fundraising when we reached the £100k but now I’m not so sure - perhaps we’ll keep going and raise even more in Jess’s memory.”