Stacey Dooley left ‘heartbroken’ by death of co-star and pal, 29, as she shares moving tribute and says: ‘Fly high darling’

Stacey Dooley has been left ‘heartbroken’ following the death of Jemma McGowan who appeared on her show Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over.

The mum-of-three passed away aged just 29 after featuring on the star’s W show as she battled a very rare form of ovarian cancer. 

Stacey, 36, became close friends with Jemma following their first meeting and took to her Instagram on Thursday with a heartfelt tribute.

Sharing a snap from the show she penned:  ‘Just heartbreaking, Jemma was a joy to work with and we continued our relationship as pals’.

‘I’m thinking of her [husband] Clive and her gorgeous babies’.  

Tribute: Stacey, 36, became close to Jemma following their first meeting and took to her Instagram on Thursday with a heartfelt tribute

‘Coincidentally, our film airs this evening where we reflect on our time spent with Jemma’. 

She added: ‘She knew it was coming out in August and was keen to hear all about it. Fly high darlin’. 

Jemma, from Northern Ireland, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 while  six weeks pregnant with her second child. 

After undergoing surgery she was told by doctors it wouldn’t return however sadly she was struck down with the disease once again in January 2021. 

Jemma found a lump on her body during her this pregnancy before being told she had stage 4 ovarian cancer.

She previously said on Instgaram: ‘I had a really bad pain on my left side. I went to the GP and he thought I was having an ectopic pregnancy and sent me straight to A&E.

‘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 discovered it was cancer, but had said it was low grade stage 1, so I put it behind me and continued on with my life.’ 

RIP: The mum-of-three passed away aged just 29 after featuring on the star’s W show as she battled 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 it wouldn’t return however sadly she was struck down with the disease once again in January 2021

A Service of Thanksgiving will take place for Jemma with family and friends on Sunday.

Her notice reads: ‘The death has taken place of Jemma Ingrid McGowan, at her home, in Omagh, in the warm embrace of her beloved family. Formerly from Stewartstown. 16th December 1993 – 3rd August 2023.

‘A cherished daughter of John Howie (Debbie) and Tracy Megaw (David).

‘Beloved wife and soulmate of Clive, a precious and caring mother of Sadie, Louis and Betty, loving sister of Amy, Oliver, Anna, Matthew, stepsister of Rachel and Ruth.

‘A much-loved daughter-in-law of Walter & Maxine, dear sister-in-law of Karl (Carrie), Darren (Jill) and Lloyd (Aimee)’.

‘Friends welcome to call at her late home on Friday and Saturday between 12 noon- 8pm. Today and Sunday the family home will be strictly private’.

‘Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Jemma will be held in Cappagh Parish Church on Sunday at 2:00pm followed by interment in adjoining graveyard.

‘Please take the time to share your condolences/ memories of Jemma, in the condolence book below, which will be safely kept for Jemma’s children to read in the future.

‘These messages will help Sadie, Louis and Betty to remember just how special Jemma was to everyone.

‘Family flowers only please.’