Tributes are being paid to a much-loved Newquay woman who inspired people across the world.
Chrissie Jackson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 20 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer in January 2019.
Determined to make the most of every day, she set up Chrissie’s Sunshine Appeal to raise as much money as possible for charities and good causes close to her heart, in and around Cornwall – as well as finding and spreading as much sunshine as she could.
Despite the challenges presented by numerous lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chrissie raised more than £50,000 for nine beneficiaries (Newquay RNLI, Newquay Town Blystra Lions, The Cove Macmillan, Bodmin Moorland Pony Rehabilitation, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, the Sunrise Appeal, Refuge 4 Pets, Sally’s Cat Rescue and Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue) and spread endless amounts of joy with her unique ‘Chemo in Cool Places’ and ‘Trials in Style’.
Originally from Warrington, Chrissie moved to Newquay in 2000 and co-founded the Newquay Voice Newspaper. She served as its photographer for 16 years and thanks to her talent, kindness and infectious personality, developed a strong bond with the community and all its groups, organisations and charities.
Passionate about sailing, Chrissie was selected to be part of a team that raced in the Clipper Round the World Race in 2018. She raced from Australia to China in the second leg of the event and was about to set sail in the next stage from China to Seattle when she first became unwell and required immediate medical care.
Despite having to cut her Clipper journey short, the competition gave Chrissie the ability to push herself to her mental and physical limits. No matter what Chrissie faced from that day, she did with positivity, kindness and incredible strength.
Testament to Chrissie’s dedication to helping others, in 2020 she was named as the Westcountry Region’s Fundraiser of the Year in the Pride of Britain Awards, Newquay Town Council’s Citizen of the Year and was presented with a Cornwall Council Civic Award. Accolades she was very rightly proud of.
Earlier this year, Chrissie was named an Honoury Member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club in recognition of her selfless service to the community and close ties with the club who provide the banking and administration for Chrissie’s Sunshine Appeal.
A fitting reflection of Chrissie’s determination and drive, one of her favourite sayings was ‘Hold your face to the sun and let the shadows fall behind you.’
Chrissie’s family say anyone wishing to donate to her Sunshine Appeal can do so at www.chrissiessunshineappeal.com – they would also like to thank everyone who supported Chrissie not only since her diagnosis, but provided friendship since she made Newquay her home. They would also like to thank those who fundraised for her Appeal since 2020; a project that was incredibly important to her.
Details of Chrissie’s funeral will be released in due course.
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