Stacey Dooley left ‘heartbroken’ by death of co-star and boyfriend, 29, as she shares touching tribute, saying ‘Fly high darling’
Stacey Dooley left ‘heartbroken’ by death of co-star and boyfriend, 29, as she shares touching tribute, saying ‘Fly high darling’
Stacey Dooley has been left ‘heartbroken’ after the death of Jemma McGowan who appeared on her show Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over.
The mother of three died aged just 29 after appearing on the star’s W show while battling a very rare form of ovarian cancer.
Stacey, 36, became good friends with Jemma after their first meeting and took to her Instagram on Thursday with a heartfelt tribute.
She shared a snapshot from the show, writing, “Just heartbreaking, Jemma was a joy to work with and we continue our relationship as friends.”
“I think of her (husband) Clive and her beautiful babies.”
Heartbroken: Stacey Dooley (L) has been left ‘heartbroken’ following the death of Jemma McGowan (R) who appeared on her show Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over
Tribute: Stacey, 36, grew close to Jemma after their first meeting and took to her Instagram on Thursday with a heartfelt tribute
“Coincidentally, our movie is airing tonight where we reflect on our time spent with Jemma.”
She added: “She knew it was coming out in August and was eager to hear all about it. Fly high baby.
Jemma, from Northern Ireland, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 when she was six weeks pregnant with her second child.
After she had surgery, doctors told her it wouldn’t return, but sadly, she was stricken with the disease again in January 2021.
Jemma found a lump on her body during her pregnancy before being told she had stage 4 ovarian cancer.
She previously said on Instgaram, “I had really bad pain in my left side. I went to the GP and he thought I had an ectopic pregnancy and immediately sent me to the ER.
“They told me the baby was fine, but I needed keyhole surgery to remove a fibroid on my ovary when I was 17 weeks pregnant.
“They found out it was cancer but had said it was low grade stage 1 so I put it behind me and got on with my life.”
RIP: The mother of three died aged just 29 after appearing on the star’s W show while battling a very rare form of ovarian cancer
Devastation: Jemma, from Northern Ireland, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 while six weeks pregnant with her second child
Ill health: After undergoing surgery, she was told by doctors that it would not return, but unfortunately she was struck by the disease again in January 2021
On Sunday there will be a thanksgiving service for Jemma with family and friends.
Her message read: ‘The death of Jemma Ingrid McGowan has taken place, at her home, in Omagh, in the warm embrace of her beloved family. Formerly from Stewartstown. December 16, 1993 – August 3, 2023.
A cherished daughter of John Howie (Debbie) and Tracy Megaw (David).
Beloved wife and soulmate of Clive, loving and caring mother to Sadie, Louis and Betty, loving sister to Amy, Oliver, Anna, Matthew, stepsister to Rachel and Ruth.
‘A much loved daughter-in-law to Walter & Maxine, dear sister-in-law to Karl (Carrie), Darren (Jill) and Lloyd (Aimee)’.
Friends are welcome to come to her house on Fridays and Saturdays between noon and 8 p.m. Today and Sunday the parental home is strictly private.
‘Thanksgiving for life Jemma will be held at Cappagh Parish Church at 2pm on Sunday, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
Please take the time to share your condolences/memories of Jemma in the condolence book below which will be kept safe for Jemma’s children to read in the future.
These messages will help Sadie, Louis and Betty remember how special Jemma was to everyone.
“Family flowers only, please.”