On Sunday 17th November at around 5.30am, our brilliant Jen died in hospital.
When it comes to a writer as skilled as Jen, no words seem to come close to the magic she could conjure when she put pen to paper. More words will come later, but for now we wanted to update the many people who loved her, and who she loved, on the blog she’s been writing since 2017, when she was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her upper jaw.
Jen has used this blog as a place to document her experience with osteosarcoma, and the many non-cancer related adventures she had, the friends she shared these adventures with, and of course, her art. She was so unfalteringly passionate when it came to writing and creating, connecting with and supporting others going through cancer treatment and transforming the language we use around cancer (absolutely NO-one should describe her as having ‘lost’ any sort of battle). She loved being with her friends and family, whether that was taking them to the best pubs or coffee shops, or having jam sessions in her living room.
Jen’s achievements and adventures are innumerable. Many people reading this will be familiar with them. Jen was a phenomenal musician, growing up with musical influences from her parents Andy and Jenny, who also enjoy playing music. She played multiple instruments and wrote countless songs.
She finished recording, mixing and mastering her debut album ‘Dreams of the Lights’ (as Jen Eve) in between gruelling radiotherapy. She wrote, redrafted and edited an entire novel (‘not a cancer memoir or an autobiography!’) during the Coronavirus pandemic, her 2020 re-diagnosis, and the surgery that removed her eye, and she succeeded in self-publishing that novel – ‘Rebel Rebel’ (as Jen Eve Taylor) even after she no longer had her sight. And most recently, she finished recording the audiobook of ‘Rebel Rebel’ narrated by her wonderful friend Rosa, which was the single most special moment of Rosa’s entire career. As Jen’s health declined, she continued to work tirelessly with her mum Jenny and friends Hayden and Daniel to get the audiobook streaming-ready. As of a few days ago, ‘Rebel Rebel’ is available to listen to on Audible, Amazon, iTunes (and soon on Spotify). Continuing to support and celebrate Jen’s art is something that would mean a lot to her, and to her loved ones.
The past year was extremely difficult for Jen, having suddenly lost her sight (though she’d probably laugh at that phrasing – ‘where did I lose it? Down the back of the sofa?’) in November 2023. With the sight loss came news of the cancer advancing, and Jen had more chemo and radiotherapy, and more recently started TKIs, an oral chemo. Throughout the many challenges, she still managed to publish her novel, record her audiobook and of course, continue to blog. She spent time with her family and friends in the brilliant selection of local North London pubs, or at her beloved flat – nothing ever stopped her from hosting a fantastic gathering. Her last few days were spent with her loved ones close by.
Jen’s mark on the world is enormous. She filled every room with laughter and music, and was always by far the best dressed. She will be so greatly missed in her birthplace of Sydney, Australia, and her found home of London, in the online spheres where she met so many of her closest friends, and in countless other places around the world, because wherever Jen went she made lasting connections and impressions. She taught everyone around her to live like she did – with joy, with a sense of adventure, like a rebel. Thank you to everyone who has been a friend to her throughout the years, for your love and support on her blog, and with her music and book.
Rosa, and Andy & Jenny Taylor
The Cancer Chronicles 
Rest in Peace
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I’m so sorry to hear that Jen has passed away. I’ve followed her for a long time now and looked forward to when she published her latest blog. What a life she lived! Rest In Peace Jen, you will be sadly missed xxx
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Such sad news! Farewell to an incredible soul!
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An amazing woman, with amazing parents, in every way.
Jen faced the most horrendous of diagnoses and treatments with grace, humour and class.
We only got to raise a glass together once Jen, but I’ll raise one in your name tonight.
You made a huge difference – to so many of us. And what a legacy to leave behind.
Much love
Neil in Vienna
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Thatâs sad news!
Diana
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Rebel to the end. Loved fiercely. Lived fiercely. And we should all emulate her example. That sheer life force will live on.
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Oh dearest Jen. I have no other words than my heart is broken. Andy, Jenny and Rosa, she spoke of you all with so much love. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jen, I read a quote which made me think of our conversations about writing, conversations which I will treasure.
“Once you’re into a story everything seems to apply -what you overhear on a city bus is exactly what your character would say on the page you’re writing. Wherever you go, you meet part of your story.” – Eudora Welty
Your way with words was spectacular and your ability to weave a story into an artwork on the page was a masterpiece to read. You documented your illness with such beauty – the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.
I will miss you dear friend.
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I am deeply saddened to read this news. My thoughts are with Jen’s parents and many friends. I will remember Jen for her kindness and support when my daughter died. I still carry a quote that she wrote to give me comfort. RIP beautiful Jen xxxx
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Dear Andy and Jen
Truly, deeply and profoundly sorry to learn of Jen’s passing. I know there are no words of comfort to lessen the deep trough of grief.
My deepest condolences and sympathies.
Vale Jen Eve. I am grateful to have met you.
Michael Toohey
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my heart is breaking for you all. I adored reading her writing even though the battles she faced were immense. As a fellow Aussie I loved her humour and fight. She will be sadly missed but adored in her writings and memories.
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such sadness but she has left so much wonderful work and memories.
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oh I am so sorry to read this. I always looked forward to reading Jen’s blog. She was amazing. Whilst undergoing gruelling treatment she always found light and humour in every situation. Sending love to her parents and close friends. She will be so missed
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sending such love to you all ❤️ she lived big and she loved big and she leaves behind a big well of grief but also so much joy. She was a force 💫
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Oh, Jen, I am heartbroken. I wanted you to live forever. I am so sad for your family and friends and for you… you fought so hard and with such grace and humour.
I am grateful for having shared in your life through your blog and your music. You will live forever in my heart.
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thank you, Rosa, Andy and Jenny for letting us know the sad news. Jen touched so many people through her music, her writing and her direct approach to life and illness.
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Adieu Jen. Tu resteras dans le cœur d’une parisienne. Mes sincères condoléances à tes proches.
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Jen
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To the talented and beautiful Jen xxxx
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I’m very sorry to hear of Jen’s passing – she was a very special person. I remain amazed at how much she was able to achieve whilst in the midst of truly brutal treatment regimes. Her blog & friendship were a great help to me, and I am sure that the information here will continue helping others long into the future.
Sending best wishes and condolences to you all from myself and my parents,
Rob
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I am so sorry to see this. I’ve been following Jen’s journey for a couple of years now, since coming across her at one of the London Writers’ Salon writers’ hours, just before she released her album. I admired her determination to keep getting the most out of life so much. Sending good wishes to those of you left behind. ❤
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So very sorry for Jen’s passing. Sincere sympathy to Jenny, Andy and Rosa. I know that she would probably hate me for saying this, but Jen was my heroine! She faced up to every trial that her journey threw at her with grace and bravery. I hope that Clarence is bearing up under his loss. Rest in peace Jen. Live in peace, her parents and friend. Thank you for letting all of her blog-friends know that her journey ha ended.
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I’m so sad right now. My condolences to her family and friends and everyone here.
Nicolas
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Rosa, Andy and Jenny. I found Jen’s blog 6 years ago while searching for info on the Cotton Rooms, when my family’s osteo journey started. I was immediately hooked by her wonderful writing style, her sense of humour and her amazing energy. I’m so thankful for the practical information she so generously shared, it’s been invaluable to us. She will be greatly missed.
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Jen’s Blog is beautiful and was at times very hard to read knowing what she was going through. It shows what a wonderful person she was, so full of courage and hope, an inspiration for others. She managed to fit so much creativity into her short life with her music and literary ability and it is an amazing legacy that she leaves. Sending our love to Jenny and Andy and all her friends. Jane
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Fare the well, beautiful Jen🕊. Jenny, Andy, Jules and Rosa, may Jen’s memories bring you peace and comfort, always. Jen, your light will continue to shine.
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What an incredible human. I feel so blessed to have known her. Her book is stunning.Her music is beautiful. Her courage something other wordly. An absolute one of a kind. You will be so missed Jen. Thankyou for sharing your precious life with us all. Thinking of you Jenny and Andrew. It is impossible for me to imagine your grief. Thankyou both for brining such a treasure into the world.
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Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. We will never forget her. Hope you all are okay and look forward to seeing you back. May Jen rest
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Very sad news. My family and I found Jens blog one day and it resonated instantly with our SCC head cancer journey. She lived a wondrous, courageous life. Fare thee well.
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Very sad news. My family and I found Jens blog one day and it resonated instantly with our SCC head cancer journey. She lived a wondrous, courageous life. Fare thee well.
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Very sad news. My family and I found Jens blog one day and it resonated instantly with our SCC head cancer journey. She lived a wondrous, courageous life. Fare thee well.
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Very sad news. We came across Jen’s blog one day and it instantly resonated with my husband’s carcinoma journey. Jens message was always one of truth and strength. We will miss you.
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Thank you both Jen’s for your news of Jen passing last Sunday. I hope Andy was there too and forgive me for not keeping up with all of the ‘blogs’.
Obviously what a team spirit you have been for each other as well as for all of us your family & buddies, who have ‘flown with you’, even the smallest ones who have been a small part of your journey that we have been privileged to be part of!
Well that Jen has rested! which we will wish for all of us, not sure how that will be.
Why don’t they do Bravery awards for all families like yourselves? Serious !!!!
Lots of love to you Jen & Family
Many xo’s and hope to see you fairly soon.
Annie Payne
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Rosa and Andy
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have followed Jen’s blogs in total awe for a few years. She was an amazing woman! I was actually thinking about her over the weekend and wondered how she was!
RIP Jen
Eilish x
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A beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being. Sending so much love ❤️
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R.I.P Jen, you touched us all and we’ve been on this adventure with you. So happy you are pain free, laughing, worrying, and making music where we all know you are.
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Thinking of you Jen and sending love to Rosa, Andy & Jenny Taylor – Clarence and all of your friends and family.
I have lovely memories of discussing cats and coffee with you Jen and how Australia was the best for coffee by far! I have always followed your blog and journey – you have inspired me and will continue to do so.
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There is a large hole in the universe where your soul flew. I’m actually in tears as I write this, and can only imagine the grief her family and friends are feeling.
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I’m so sorry to hear this news. Jen was a remarkable human being who accomplished so much in the face of adversity. She lived life to the fullest and has helped teach me how important it is to be present and grateful for every day. Much love to you all xxx
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I hadn’t had the headspace to say how much this hurt when I read this news. Jen will keep on shining through her art, a light that would only shine brighter as the illness progressed, and which now lights up the sky. Fly high Jen, never met you but loved you nonetheless. ✨
Heartfelt condolences to all of Jen’s family and friends, and to all the cancer community. We will miss you, Rebel.
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