Jaynie loses cancer battle

Jaynie Huxley: brave battle ended

A BRAVE woman who bared her deepest feelings to raise money for charity has died after a nine-year battle with cancer.

Jaynie Huxley struck the hearts of her friends and relatives when she collected together poems she had written to help her cope with the cancer which finally took her life on Friday.

The 47-year-old (pictured) agreed to turn them into a poetry book to sell in aid of Oldham Cancer Support Centre after a friend and charity worker Beverley Heap was moved to tears by their honesty.

Far from the doom and gloom Jaynie feared they may convey, Beverley saw not only stories of the real-life challenges Jaynie had to face, but a precious insight into the incredible positivity and sharp sense of humour of a woman who refused to give in and who was determined to live life to the full.

Jaynie, who lived with her husband, Mark, in Manchester Road, Greenfield, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 37. The cancer spread, and jotting poems pouring out her anger and frustrations, hopes and fears, on scraps of paper helped Jaynie come to terms with what was happening.

Her death has rocked a community for which Jaynie was often the life and soul.

Jaynie’s funeral will be held on Thursday at 4pm at Dukinfield crematorium and then afterwards at Saddleworth Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club.

Jaynie’s wishes were that something pink be worn, even if it is something small, but no black.

Jaynie had an astonishing talent for getting right to the heart of people in a very short time.

Beverley said: “I only met Jaynie in November when she came to Oldham Cancer Support Centre, but felt I’d known her all my life. “She was an amazing lady, who very quickly became a close friend. Jaynie’s love of life was infectious, she lived every day to the full.”

Jaynie galvanised the borough’s business community when she spoke movingly about her hopes to write a poetry book at a charity event last month.

Businessmen and women rose to pledge their backing to get Jaynie’s book published under the leadership of Jane Dronsfield, Allan Tupman and the then Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, at the Hollinwood Ball, held at Clough Manor Hotel.

Jaynie was preparing to launch the book, but died in Dr Kershaw’s Hospice with her family and friends around her only a few days before it was due to happen.

The book “Let The Swearing Begin — Expressions of a Nine-Year Cancer Journey” will be published this week.

The first copies will be available for viewing at Jaynie’s funeral to follow her wishes of not only being an inspiration to others, but also to leave a legacy to raise money for Oldham Cancer Support Centre.