Relatives of singer who lost cancer battle organise charity auction

According to those close to the singer-songwriter from Bognor, she had faced her illness with real bravery and was supported strongly by family including husband Matt their three-year old daughter Farrin as much as possible.

It is hoped Jo's charity auction at Crouchers Country Hotel and Restaurant on Saturday, will help further promote breast cancer awareness. Among the many items donated to the event are a Christian Dior bag, football shirt signed by the Portsmouth team and a week's break in France.

Jo, 32, had set up a website, Seize this day, which she used to diary her treatment and raise awareness of breast cancer. It also offered a wealth of tips for anyone who is undergoing a similar situation.

Her husband Matt said: "We have no regrets about going to Mexico for Jo's treatment as she was positive right up until the end and our daughter even managed to make her laugh.

"The Oasis of Hope centre in Meixco where we went was quite amazing. I saw people walk away from there who were suffering terminal cancer conditions and the staff all said how much energy Jo brought to the place,"

Matt added the family was going to have a priavte gathering to celebrate her life: "It's what she would have wanted as she was such a positive person. We couldn't have got through without the support from family, friends and the local community which has re-ignited my faith in humanity. I am eternally grateful for that support and that's why I am going to carry on with Jo's work with her website."

Her mother-in-law, Jo Maleki Raee, who now lives in France said: "Jo was a wonderful, strong person and our lives would not have been so enriched without her. Not only was she strong she was generous with her time and always had a smile for anyone who saw her even when she was in great pain.

"Our lives are so much better for knowing her and having her in them She will always be with us and guide us through any times we are feeling a bit low and need her help. She left us the best gift ever, our grand-daughter who is of course her lovely daughter. She will be missed by all who knew her."

Jo's cousin Hannah Petley, said she had played a significant role in her life and would be greatly missed.

The 18 year-old from Southampton said: "Jo is an inspiration to all of us. She has shown us what real strength is. "All throughout her illness she remained positive and full of love. I couldn't have grown up with a better role model.

"She has always encouraged my sister Becky and I to be the best people we can be and has always supported us in achieving our goals. Words can't do justice to Jo or even begin to describe how much we love her. My family and I are going to miss her every day, there will always be a gap that nobody can fill.

"She has left us with so many good memories and so much love that although she's gone, she'll be with us forever. "She will live on in all of us but particularly in her beautiful daughter Farrin who brings us endless laughter and happiness.

"I'm only 18 and if I can grow into a woman half as strong as her, I will be happy. She is my cousin, my friend, my role model and inspiration, I am so proud and blessed to have known her."

Tickets for the charity auction are 5, which starts at 6.30pm. They are available from Amoeba jewellers in East Street, Chichester. For full details see www.seizethisday.co.uk

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