Gordon Brown has led emotional tributes for reality TV star Jade Goody, who died on Sunday (22Mar09) after losing her battle with cervical cancer.
Goody, who made a name for herself after appearing on the U.K.'s Big Brother in 2002, passed away aged 27 at her home in Upshire, south east England in the early hours of Sunday.
Now the country's leader Brown has honoured the star by praising her for raising awareness of the deadly disease.
He says, "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Jade Goody's death. She was a courageous woman both in life and death and the whole country have admired her determination to provide a bright future for her children.
"She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and her family can be extremely proud of the work she has done to raise awareness of cervical cancer which will benefit thousands of women."
The star's former partner Jeff Brazier - the father of her two sons Bobby, five, and four-year-old Freddie - says, "I'm grateful the boys were able to say their goodbyes and spend that precious time with their wonderful mother.
"Bobby and Freddie are my absolute priority and I will be doing everything I can to be their rock and to give them all my love and support to get them through a confusing and upsetting time."
Gosford Park actor Stephen Fry, who met Goody when they both appeared on a U.K. talk show, took to his Twitter.com page to write: "Poor, dear Jade... I warmed to her immensely. All impulsive spirit and smiles. What a life.
"Jade lived life under a magnifying glass. Magnifying glasses magnify (obviously) but they distort and they burn. I suppose she was a kind of Princess D (Diana) from the wrong side of the tracks."
Prince Azim, the son of the Sultan of Brunei and a friend of Goody's, added: "Jade was a warm and lovely lady. My condolences to (husband) Jack (Tweed) and her family."
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