Jackiey Budden has spoken of her tv star daughter Jade Goody's battle with cancer.

The 51-year-old celebrity Big Brother star, who often visits the Isle of Sheppey, said although Jade has only been given a 44 per cent chance of survival they do not talk about cancer or death but take each day as it comes.

Speaking to the Times Guardian today (Tuesday) she said: “Jade is doing well, she is very head-strong, but her body is weak.

“We don’t talk about cancer or death or anything like that.”

In July Jackiey, who lives in Bermondsey, talked about her fondness for Sheppey while she was staying with friends in Warden Bay.

She said: “I love Sheppey and have friends there."

Jade, 27, rose to fame in 2002 after appearing in reality television show Big Brother.

She came under fire after appearing in Celebrity Big Brother in January 2007 and was branded a “racist” after an incident in the house involving offensive comments and claims of bullying against co-star and winner Shilpa Shetty .

Jackiey did a brief stint in the house during the series.

Jade was diagnosed with cervical cancer in August last year while appearing in the Indian version of the television programme – Bigg Boss.

She left the house and returned to the UK.

Jackiey said: “She came out of the Indian Big Brother house when she was diagnosed and started treatment. It is lucky she did otherwise we might have lost her.

“I am doing fine, although it is very hard. It’s not that I can’t cry but I have to stay strong for Jade and the boys. During interviews I have to swallow back tears.

“I am looking after Jade at the moment but do come back to the Island occasionally and plan to visit again.”

For full story see this week's Sheerness Times Guardian