UK Edition
Dame Tessa Jowell has been battling brain cancer since May, her family reveal
Dame Tessa Jowell, the former Labour culture secretary, has been battling brain cancer for the past four months, her family have revealed.
Ella Mills, the food blogger best known as Deliciously Ella, posted a picture of herself with her mother-in-law to celebrate her 70th birthday and praise Dame Tessa's "bravery and optimism."
The former Labour Cabinet minister, who helped secure the 2012 Olympics for London, also posted a message on Twitter pledging to help others with the disease.
She wrote: "Thank you for so much love and support on my birthday. More people living longer better lives with cancer is my birthday pledge."
It is the first time she has spoken about her illness and her current condition is unclear.
Ella and Matthew Mills, Dame Jowell's son, met after being introduced by Ella’s father, former MP Shaun Woodward.
In a post on Instagram, the couple said: "The last few months have been some of the hardest of our lives, after Matt's Mum was suddenly diagnosed with brain cancer in May.
"Her bravery, optimism, love and support for others during this process has inspired us both so much, and today, on her 70th birthday, we're all pledging to try and do everything we can to make people's lives with cancer better for longer.
"I'm sure so many of you have had to deal with this process too, and Matt and I will work to find new ways of supporting and enhancing people's lives who have been affected. Lots of love to you all, Ella and Matt xx."
In a statement, Dame Jowell said: "I'm in treatment at the moment, but will share more soon, and look forward to finding ways to make better, longer lives for people with cancer".
Dame Tessa stepped down as the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood in 2015 and served as Culture Secretary in Tony Blair's government.
In that role, she oversaw British efforts to host the 2012 Olympics. She then served as minister under Gordon Brown, making her one of only a handful of MPs to serve as ministers throughout the entire 1997 to 2010 period of Labour government.
Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Charity’s chief executive, said: “Our hearts go out to Tessa Jowell and her family after being diagnosed with a high grade brain tumour.
“And we applaud her pledge on her 70th birthday to help people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease.
"Every year, 11,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour - that's 30 a day - and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can't Wait aims to double survival within 10 years and halve the harm caused by brain tumours on quality of life."