Daughter praises ‘courageous’ Oxfordshire cancer campaigner

Lucy Bowden said her mother, Jeanne Chattoe, showed “extraordinary strength and courage throughout her life” which included helping to raise over £300,000 for a local cancer charity.

Ms Chattoe was the founder of Witney in Pink Day, which has been held annually over the past 25 years and raises money for Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer.

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It sees the town turned pink with biodegradable pink balloons, a pink car parade and pink-themed shop windows, and has raised more than £300,000 across the past two and half decades.

Ms Bowden said: “She fought cancer with incredible bravery, surviving breast cancer and kidney cancer on four previous occasions.

Jeanne Chattoe at her independent clothes shop Renaissance in 2015 (Image: Andrew Walmsley)

“This fifth time, the cancer had spread to her bones, but she faced every challenge with dignity, resilience and determination.

“She was deeply loved by so many people and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strength and the love she gave to her family and friends.

“Her loss leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of all who knew her. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love, with her family by her side.”

Alan Townsend and Gerald Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm at the Witney in Pink Day with Jeanne Chattoe (Image: Rachel Lane)

Mrs Chattoe’s fundraising efforts began after her younger sister, Delia Winkler, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982 aged 30.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned seven years later, and she sadly passed away aged 41.

Mrs Chattoe described feeling ‘helpless’ and turned to supporting research as a way to make a difference.

In 2023 she was named in the King’s Birthday Honours and presented with the British Empire Medal for her fundraising achievements.

Jeanne Chattoe, founder of Witney in Pink Day (Image: Supplied)

Others have also expressed their sadness at the death of Ms Chattoe.

Family friend, Denise Barkley first met the campaigner 30 years ago when she interviewed Ms Chattoe for an article in the Oxford Mail.

Pink Day team, from left Sandy Bradshaw, Sue Mulliss, Laura Hounam, Denise Barkley, Jeanne Chattoe (Image: Supplied)

She said: “We immediately hit it off and I shared her vision as my Mum died from breast cancer too.

“Jeanne was so inspiring and committed, and she persuaded me to join the charity’s Witney fundraising team.”

Ms Chattoe ran vintage fashion shop, Renaissance, in Witney and met much of the town through her work.

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Ms Barkley added: “We, her fundraising team-mates, will miss her beyond words but are determined to take Witney in Pink Day forwards in her memory.”

Others to express their sadness include local councillor Andrew Coles who was at Blenheim Palace when Ms Chattoe was presented with her British Empire Medal.

“She really was a Witney legend,” he added.

Councillor Ruth Smith, the leader of Witney Town Council, said: “Such a loss. She started something amazing in the town that will live on.”