Grieving mum comforted by Lorraine Kelly as she says 'it was really tough'

A grieving mum was comforted by Lorraine Kelly as she said "it was really tough".

27-year-old Jessica Brady died from stage four cancer after contacting her doctor more than 20 times to try to get a diagnosis.

Her mother, Andrea, appeared on ITV's Lorraine on Tuesday (September 23), after launching a new initiative named Jess's Rule, which is aimed at helping future patients receive accurate diagnoses.

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Doctors across England are now being encouraged to "think again" if they've seen a patient three times without being able to determine a diagnosis, or if the patient's symptoms are worsening.

Speaking on Lorraine, Andrea reflected on her daughter's "tough" battle, expressing: "I feel huge love for my Jess, who was absolutely the driving force and inspiration behind this," reports the Express.

"I just feel that this is for Jess and all the countless other young people that we've heard their stories since we lost Jess in December of 2020."

Andrea further explained that Jess's symptoms were "increasingly escalating" during the five months she tried to contact her GP.

"She was developing weight loss, night sweats, vomiting. I think all patients when they go to their GP practice want to be reassured, and when somebody is saying to you, 'It's okay, you're fine', you feel relieved for a while," she said.

"But then, Jess knew that things weren't right. She knew her own body... She was very proactive and organised and she wanted to look after herself, but it was increasingly difficult to advocate for herself as she became more and more poorly. It was really tough for her."

Jess's mum and dad quickly arranged for her to see a private GP, who recognised "almost instantly" that something was seriously wrong with Jess.

"Jess was admitted into hospital straight from outpatients and she stayed in the same room for just over three weeks, and devastatingly, she died just before Christmas," Andrea revealed.

A visibly moved Lorraine then responded: "Oh Andrea, so so tough. And yet, you took all of that grief and you poured it into making sure it doesn't happen to anybody else. And here we are, it's been long, hard fight, but you've done it for your daughter."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: "It's going to make a massive difference... I can't honestly say, Andrea, if I were in your shoes, that I would have had it in me to do what you guys have done."

Lorraine continued to commend Andrea for driving change in honour of her daughter, saying: "It's remarkable... You should be so proud of yourself for all that you've achieved. It's amazing."

Andrea concluded: "I do believe [that lives will be saved]. I just hope that this is not just for today... This is moving forward forever."

Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9am

If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, visitMacmillan Cancer Support orStand Up to Cancer