R.I.P. Jade

Jade Goody divides opinion as much in death as when she was alive. She was thrust into the public eye as a Big Brother contestant and attracted as much love as she did loathing.

The media coverage she received from then until her sad passing from cervical cancer has divided opinion. When she was diagnosed with the terrible disease, some people ludicrously dismissed it as a cheap publicity stunt. Not content with having been proven wrong, they still frown at the thought that Jade now leaves a legacy which could save thousands of young lives.

In her final months, she campaigned tirelessly, appealing to young women to get screened for cervical cancer. Thousands of women have obliged, undoubtedly, a significant amount will be saved by her efforts.

There are now strong appeals for the qualifying age for smear test to be reduced from 25 to 21.

She may have hugged the limelight and maximised the her earning potential as much as she could. I see nothing wrong in that, especially as she is leaving two young sons behind.

People can criticise all they like but in death Jade leaves a legacy. She can be content she has achieved her divine purpose in life, that wasn't achieved until the last year of her own young life. She was created to save lives. That was why even though she came fourth in Big Brother, she was still the most popular contestant ever.

Rest in peace, Jade.