FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a ‘beautiful and inspirational’ young woman who died after a long battle with illness.

Jennie Hardy (nee O’Brien) died on Friday, aged 30.

She was a sales supervisor at the Warrington Guardian and lived in Warrington with her husband John.

Originally from Appleton, Jennie went to Bridgewater High School and Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich.

She joined the Warrington Guardian group in 2002 after gaining a first class honours degree in linguistics at Manchester University.

In 2007 she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and had to undergo several operations and months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Throughout all the treatment and the resulting pain and suffering Jennie was optimistic and brave and refused to give up.

She married John in 2008 and they had their dream honeymoon in America.

As well as her husband, Jennie leaves her younger sister Lindsey, and mum and dad Pat and Bernie O’Brien.

Mum Pat said: “Jennie was an inspiration and is much loved by her family and friends. We will all miss her very much, especially her smile and the way she lit up our lives.

“All Jennie’s family are very grateful for the precious time we had with her and I personally am proud to be able to call her my daughter.”

On Jennie’s Facebook page her sister Lindsey said: “I’m going to miss you so very much, little lady.

“You are the beautiful sister who I always wished I could be like. I have always looked up to you and I always will.

“You are a truly special person, Jennie, an inspiration. I’m so proud to be your sister and I will never, ever forget you.”

Joanne Tocher, a friend and colleague at the Guardian said: “Jennie was truly the best friend I could ever have wished for – beautiful both inside and out.

“She touched the hearts of all who met her and I will miss her very much.”

Jennie’s funeral takes place at St Matthew’s Church, Stretton on Thursday, March 10, at 12.30 followed by interment at Fox Covert