Magazine defends Jade Goody tribute edition

OK! magazine has defended its decision to publish a "tribute" edition to Jade Goody even though she is still alive.

This week's copy of the magazine carries a black border, the banner "Jade Goody Official Tribute Issue 1981 - 2009" and the strapline "In Loving Memory".

The 27-year-old reality TV star, who has terminal cancer, is spending her final days at home with her family.

Her friend and publicist Max Clifford said the star was "very weak" but that she had "put her house in order".

OK! said the family had been in contact to say they thought the edition was "very kind" to Goody.

In a statement, the magazine said: "OK!'s tribute issue is a celebration of Jade's amazing life.

"Jade's family have spoken to OK! today to reiterate that they understand the tribute issue and view it as being very kind to Jade.

"They would like to also state that they are extremely grateful for the support that OK! has provided during this distressing period."

Goody has been open about her desire to use media interest in her illness to secure the financial future of her two sons and it is understood OK! paid her in the region of £700,000 for rights to her recent wedding to Jack Tweed and the boys' christening.

Yesterday Mr Clifford said Goody would be "present in spirit" at a rally today to press for the minimum age for cervical smear tests to be reduced from 25 to 20.

Bob and Lynn Walker, who lost their daughter Claire to cervical cancer last year at the age of 23, will hand a petition in to Downing Street.

Mr Clifford also praised Tweed for his unstinting support.

"Jack has been incredible. He has been nursing her every hour he is allowed to be there, brushing her teeth, holding her hand.

"For a 21-year-old to do what he has done is incredible. We all know the other side of him but in this he has been absolutely amazing. To be able to sit there day and night watching somebody you love die, it is very hard.

"He has done everything possible to make things as good as possible for as long as possible for Jade."

The reality TV star is also being nursed by mother Jackiey Budden at her home in Essex.