THE family and friends of a young mother with terminal cervical cancer wiped tears from their eyes as she sang with passion at a charity open mic night tonight (Friday, August 21).

Jade Pateman captivated the audience at the Forum Music Centre in Darlington with her rendition of No Doubt’s Don’t Speak.

The powerful lyrics “don’t tell me 'cause it hurts” were especially poignant for her many friends and relatives who had turned out in force to support her.

The 21-year-old, from Shildon, County Durham, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May and was told she only had 18 months to two years to live.

But despite her devastation the mother-of-one’s thoughts quickly turned to others, her beloved two-year-old son Oscar and other young women at risk of the disease.

Within a week of her diagnosis she launched a petition on change.org calling for the minimum screening age to be lowered from 25 to 20.

A charity, Jade and Oscar’s Angels, was also set up to raise funds for Oscar’s future and she the devoted mother is determined to make as many happy memories as possible with the toddler..

The open mic night, organised by Allison Mckay, managing director of the Forum, is one of several events being planned to raise funds and awareness.

Talented singer song writer Jordan Bailey from Shildon opened the show with three of his own songs, which were all met with loud applause.

He was followed by dozens of musicians from across the North-East, including Miss Pateman’s mother, Yvonne Claude, and Aunty, Jessica Pateman.

Jessica Pateman said: “It’s very emotional sitting here and thinking what this is all for but you have to try and push past it and be positive like Jade. It got to me a couple of times when I was up there singing.”

Jade Pateman, originally from Newton Aycliffe, had planned to sing two songs but her voice had been affected by a recent course of chemotherapy.

“I was really nervous when I went on stage but once I was up there I couldn’t see anything because of the lights so I was okay,” she said. “It means so much to me that so many people have come tonight.”

To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/cervical-cancer-lower-the-age-of-screening-from-25-to-20

Donations for Oscar can be made online at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/jadeandoscars-angels-charity

A charity fun day will also take place at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre in Burn Lane tomorrow (Saturday) from noon to 5pm.