TRIBUTES have been paid to a “wonderful” mum and daughter who has died weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Jessica Heckford Kumara, 34, died after a short battle with bowel cancer.

The mum of two from Witham lost her battle with the disease on January 12, just five weeks after being diagnosed.

Jessica leaves behind her husband Manoj, son Jaycob, daughter Skyla and her mum Carrie.

Her friends have now launched a fundraising campaign to support Farleigh Hospice which cared for Jessica.

Close friend Jasmine Gilvray described Jessica as “amazing and so lovely”.

The pair met as children in Silver End and struck up a friendship after Jessica, who was eight at the time, knocked on Jasmine’s door and have remained lifelong friends.

Jessica had health problems for a large portion of her life, suffering with ulcerative colitis, which can greatly increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Her family are keen to spread awareness of the disease and its increased cancer risk, hoping to warn others.

Speaking on her lifelong friend, Jasmine said: “She was just the most beautiful person. She was a friend to everyone and the most wonderful mum daughter and wife.

“The GoFundMe has been absolutely amazing, we didn’t realise how popular she was.

“She had so many friends and she was loved by so many people.

“Jessica is going to leave a big void for everyone, but she has filled the hearts of many.”

Jessica’s friends, Laura Hodson and Jasmine, set up the GoFundMe for the hospice, after visiting Jessica at the hospice.

While visiting the pair noticed how Jaycob and Skyla were looking to play, though there were no toys or activities to occupy them.

All proceeds raised for Farleigh’s Hospice will enable Jessica’s loved ones to purchase toys, activities, games and puzzles for any children who visit the hospital.

The Jessica Heckford Kumara GoFundMe campaign for Farley’s Hospice is still running. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so by visiting bit.ly/3WiztOG.