‘I will miss you, fly high’: Jessie J pens heartbreaking tribute to fan named Amy who died of rare medical condition and reveals she was the inspiration behind her iconic buzz cut
Jessie J has penned a heartbreaking tribute to one of her fans after they died of a rare medical condition, writing on Instagram on Friday: ‘I will miss you. Fly high.’
Sharing a photo of herself and Amy Knowles taken shortly after Jessie, 33, shaved her head live on TV in 2013, Jessie explained that 27-year-old Amy had ‘dared her’ to shave off her hair, adding: ‘I will never forget this night’.
In the photograph, Amy could be seen kissing Jessie’s freshly-shaved head, with the hit-maker explaining: ‘People often ask me why I shaved my head in 2013. This amazing young lady dared me to do it. So I did. Live on TV.’
Heartbreaking: Jessie J, 33, has penned a heartbreaking tribute to one of her fans after they died of a rare medical condition, writing on Instagram on Friday: ‘I will miss you. Fly high’
Keighley-born Amy, who was 17 at the time the photo was taken, sadly lost her battle with Complex Neuromyopathic Intestinal Dysmotility this month.
The condition affects the muscles of the intestinal tract meaning they lose their ability to coordinate bowel movements.
Jessie’s full message read: ‘After meeting you and hearing your story it was the smallest gesture I could make to let you know I supported you and all the other kids fighting a battle of awful sickness.
‘To raise money to try and help find some answers. I will never forget this night. Or the conversations we had over the years, especially recently.
Buzz cut: Jessie famously shaved off all her hair in 2013 (pictured performing on stage that year)
‘You are one of the kindest, bravest, sweetest and strongest people I have ever met. You fought so hard Amy. Loved everyone around you so hard. Never complained and enjoyed every single little bit of life.’
The hit-maker concluded: ‘You would always say thank you to me. But the truth is you will never know how much you have inspired me.
‘I do what I do to meet people like you. Thank YOU @amymaay for making this earth a kinder place. I will miss you and anytime I see bright flowers I will take a picture. Love you girl. Fly high.’
Tribute: Jessie wrote: ‘After meeting you and hearing your story it was the smallest gesture I could make to let you know I supported you and all the other kids fighting a battle of awful sickness’
Jessie first met Amy in 2011 during a hospital visit arranged by the Wish Upon a Star charity.
The pair chatted away for two hours, with Amy eventually daring Jessie to shave off all of her hair in the name of charity.
At the time, Jessie shared the same photo of Amy kissing her head, writing on Twitter: ‘This picture will forever remind me why in life I must always recognise how I can help those who need it.
‘Thank you, Amy. You’re my hero.’
Amy’s last photo was shared to Instagram during one of England’s Euros 2020 matches in July.
Relaxing in her hospice next to her father, Amy could be seen enjoying a can of Guinness while wrapped up in a duvet.
She captioned her photo: ‘The person who gave me my love of football. Doesn’t matter where I am or what situation I’m in, watching the football with my dad, can of Guinness in hand, will always and forever be one of my most favourite things to do!
‘Thanks for giving me some of my happiest memories pops! Come onnnnnn England.’
Last photo: Amy’s last photo was shared to Instagram during one of England’s Euros 2020 matches in July
Amy wrote: ‘The person who gave me my love of football. Doesn’t matter where I am or what situation I’m in, watching the football with my dad, can of Guinness in hand, will always and forever be one of my most favourite things to do!’