Struggling to come to terms with loss of Jen

Oct 14 2010 Buckinghamshire Advertiser

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A WEEK after the launch of our Jen's Final Wish campaign the family have spoken of their pride and sadness at seeing their daughter on the front page of the Advertiser.

When we caught up with mother Judy Sidebottom at son-in-law Tony Goodridge's house in Amersham, she said: "I was in the petrol station earlier and saw her face staring up at me from the pile of newspapers.

"It's just so strange seeing her that way, but we're so glad we were able to get the campaign out there, and this is only the start."

Jen's widower Tony agreed: "You just never expect to see someone you love in the paper for those reasons, but Jen wanted us to generate as much awareness about cervical cancer and the treatment available as possible and that's what we're aiming to do."

Surrounded by sympathy cards and teddy bears in the flat they were supposed to share together, Tony is under-standably struggling to come to terms with the enormity of his loss, but is glad the news of her death is out in the open.

"As well as generating publicity it's also been good from a personal point of view as everybody knows now and I don't get people who haven't seen me in a while asking after her."

But Judy says there are still some who have yet to hear of her daughter's death: "A woman came into work today who used to teach Jen and asked after her well being, we both ended up crying."

Tony paid tribute to his friends and family for all the support he has received at this sad time.

"I've got Judy, Phil [Jen's dad] and David [younger brother] right around the corner and my step - mum Louise and dad Gary right near by too - they've been a tremendous comfort."

"And you're never short of a cooked meal," Judy interjects.

As ever in these situations his real friends have come to the fore too.

"I've got amazing mates who've looked in and made sure I'm OK. I just feel sick all of the time though.

"I know it won't last, as people keep telling me, but I can't see it going anywhere at the moment."