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Memorial for 'fun’ woman, 37, who died after developing 14 brain tumours in 18 months

Jen Weller was just 37 years old when she died <i>(Image: Brain Tumour Research)</i>
Jen Weller was just 37 years old when she died (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

A "sporty, loyal and fun" woman who died after developing 14 brain tumours in 18 months has been remembered by her friends and family.

Jen Weller, from Burgess Hill, was just 37 when she died.

Following her terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 35, the personal trainer launched a year-long series of fundraisers for the charities Brain Tumour Research and ALK Positive UK.

She raised more than £20,000 for Brain Tumour Research under the banner “WellerFest”.

The Argus: Jen Weller abseiled from the Spinaker Tower as part of her fundraising
The Argus: Jen Weller abseiled from the Spinaker Tower as part of her fundraising

Jen Weller abseiled from the Spinaker Tower as part of her fundraising (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Jen underwent a craniotomy to remove the largest of her brain tumours and used targeted drug therapy to try and slow the growth of her others, but in 2021 she learned her cancer had progressed.

She had radiotherapy but found out at the end of that year she had developed a further nine brain tumours.

Her health continued to deteriorate and she died in a hospice, with her husband Steve by her side last year.

For the anniversary of her death on May 25, this year Jen's friends and family have reflected on her role as an inspirational campaigner.

The Argus: Paul Weller with step-mum Jen, dad Steve and daughter Ivy
The Argus: Paul Weller with step-mum Jen, dad Steve and daughter Ivy

Paul Weller with step-mum Jen, dad Steve and daughter Ivy (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Jen’s stepson Paul Weller said: “The week leading up to Jen’s anniversary has probably been the hardest because of how she was at this time last year.

"Her deterioration happened so quickly, over just three or four days. It felt like there were so many things she was doing that, when they finished, she finally allowed herself to stop.”

The 37-year-old, who works as a dispatcher for Secamb, added: “Before her diagnosis, I would have described Jen as sporty, loyal and fun, but afterwards, I used words like courageous, strong and inspirational.

“People deal with things in different ways, but the way Jen dealt with her situation was incredible, and she was laughing and smiling right to the end.

“She had so many people who loved her and who she held close, and she allowed each one of them to have their last special moment with her independently, which is incredible.

“To think that she was the one dying and running out of time but she used the time she had to give others memories shows how special she was.”

That fundraising has continued in the wake of her death, with a charity football match held at Hassocks Football Club just last month raising more than £1,000.

It involved women Jen played football with from the age of 15 to when she stopped at the age of 35.

The Argus: The charity football match
The Argus: The charity football match

The charity football match (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Her step-granddaughter also took part, scoring two goals, whilst Jen’s husband, Steve, a long-standing referee, ensured the rules were adhered to.

Players wore the kits Jen got last year, with pink for Brain Tumour Research and blue for ALK Positive UK.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Jen died. She was an incredible woman who left a huge impression on all who knew her, especially those of us who were fortunate enough to witness the strength and determination she showed in her last year of life.

“Her legacy lives on through the many fundraising activities of her friends and family, and, of course, through WellerFest. Our thoughts are with them all this week."