Jill Saward

1965 - 2017

Jill Saward

1965 - 2017

BORN

1965

DIED

2017

Jill Saward Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 5, 2017.
Jill Saward, an English survivor of rape who went on to become an influential British campaigner against sexual violence, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, after having a stroke, according to multiple news sources. She was 51.

Saward was the first U.K. rape victim to waive her anonymity after she was sexually assaulted during a burglary at her father’s vicarage in 1986.

Saward’s family announced her death in a news statement on her official website:

“It is with deep shock and great sadness that we must announce that Jill Saward (Jill Drake) died this morning in New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, following a subarachnoid (hemorrhage) on Tuesday. … In consultation with medical staff, the family readily agreed to Jill’s desire to be an organ donor.

“Jill dedicated the past 30 years of her life to helping other people. It gives us great comfort to know that our wonderful wife, mother and sister was able to help other people to the very end. We would like to thank all those who contributed to her medical care in recent days.

“We are also so very grateful for the many expressions of prayer, love and support we have received.

“At this stage we would appreciate space and time to come to terms with what has happened.”

After her attack, Saward advocated in a variety of roles in support of victims of sexual violence during the 1990s. In addition to establishing a support group for the victims, she campaigned vigorously to gain legal and social justice for them.

Saward, who was born Jan. 15, 1965, in Liverpool, England, co-wrote a book in 1990 about her ordeal, titled “Rape: My Story.”

Her husband, Gavin Drake, and their three sons survive her.

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April 26, 2017

Chloe Stapp posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 10, 2017

A S posted to the memorial.

54 Entries

Chloe Stapp

April 26, 2017

What a remarkable lady Jill was for sure. She was strong and caring. She took an atrocity knowing how it feels and reached out to others to help them to cope, to endure with hope to find a measure of peace where there no doubt was none. For that I am touched to my core. To her husband and children my most heartfelt sympathy as you mourn a wonderful person, wife and mother. May the fond memories you shared the love of family and friends and the reassurance at Isa 65:17 will bring you solace and help you endure with hope!

April 20, 2017

My condolences to the family. please know that those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Ps. 116:15

A S

April 10, 2017

We are so sorry for your great loss. May memories comfort you and prayer sustain you during this difficult time.

March 31, 2017

Although she suffered through a tragic experience she was involved in positive things. She had a purpose in life to help others and that is beautiful. I pray that jills family can have many beautiful memories of her life and that God will help you through this time day by day.

Mamie Harrell

March 30, 2017

You deserve a candle lit in your name under your picture evey day my greatest thing too happen so everone plz do this for sweet jill

Mamie Harrell

March 30, 2017

So sad too here about Jill she was such a wonderful woman mother wife and so much courage she has shown by helping other instead of going inside with horrible injustice shd has had to indure but she made it work by helping others that went through.the same she did God is with Jill now and she has her wings sening my love to her family and friends and hope that each and every one has a comfort from the spread of love she will have sent God loves you Jill and you will be greatly missed by all ...sincerly mamie harrell

March 28, 2017

Special and brave is this one Angel

Gigi Hinton

March 11, 2017

Jill's courage moved us forward

February 24, 2017

My sincere condolences to Jill's family, may our loving creator give you the strength to endure until His promises are fulfilled.
John 6:40.

A caring friend

February 15, 2017

Although something tragic happened in her life she made something beneficial out of it to help others. That speaks volumes of her character and now my prayer for your family is that you will remember the good times with her and let them warm your hearts. Keep in mind that our God didn't cause any suffering for any of us and this was not his purpose but he promises a bright future for those who love him. Keep trusting in him with all of your heart.

February 11, 2017

Sincerest Condolences to the Saward family.. but please know that God has things in store for oyu in the future. keep your faith in him. he will have you in mind.

Judy Hughes

February 10, 2017

RIP Prayers for all the family and friends.

steven dozier

January 11, 2017

I'm sorry for the family and i will be showing up to the funeral but i just want to reach out to the family and stop the sexuall violence going on today

R C.

January 10, 2017

To The Family Of Jill Saward
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.

WMC

January 9, 2017

R.I.P Jill you will be missed.

Diane and Barrie Turk

January 8, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to the friends and family Of Jill who died so young and too soon. She was such a strong advocate to survivors of such a horrible event that changed her life. To her husband and children-know she was loved and let your healing begin. Rest In Peace Jill ( Canada )

Kay

January 8, 2017

As a resident of ealing for over thirty years I remember with great sadness and shock of your terrible ordeal. I am so pleased that you became an advocate for the rights of the victims and fought for justice. It's people like you Jill Saward that make this world a better place to be in and my heart felt love goes to you for that. I never met you but followed your work and watched you on T.V. I am very saddened to hear of your passing and want to send my thoughts and love to your family at this very difficult time. I will write a message to God and tell him to expect you. R.I.P oh gracious lady.

Bob+Linne L[BBY

January 7, 2017

Our love and sympathy and prayers go across the pond to Jills family. The Libbys and the Sawards have known rach other for almost 50 years. Jill was a great lady and a great Christian human being. We wish we could be with you to celebrate her life and love.
I BELIEVE IT WAS qUEEN eLIZABETH WHO SAID, "gRIEF IS THE PRICE WE PAY FOR LOVE."aA

A J

January 7, 2017

January 7, 2017

My condolences to the family and friends


Fl

January 7, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Deb F

January 7, 2017

May you rest in peace - you gave so many victims the courage to tell their story - and to not be ashamed. Wear your angel wings and halo with pride. Your spirit soars forever.

carlotta

January 6, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Saward family and friends at this difficult time.

Harry Simpson

January 6, 2017

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jane Dowling

January 6, 2017

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Sending prayers.

L Barrett

January 6, 2017

To only know of someone's life from an Obituary, as so often happens, is sad. But so certainly better than not at all.
Such a selfless life that her sons can hold on to.

January 6, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

joyce g.

January 6, 2017

May God Bless and keep you always. Thank you for your vocation.

January 6, 2017

My heart breaks to hear this. Jill's legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet her in Paradise! (Luke23:43)

January 6, 2017

Thank you Jill for dedicating your life to help others. May God grant you eternal life free from suffering in Paradise.

January 6, 2017

Sincere condolences on your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time.

M Martin

January 6, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family. I hope you will find the strength to get through this difficult time with the help of prayer. God knows your pain and he will get you through.
Phillipians 4:6,7,13. My thoughts are with you.

January 6, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to the Saward family. Losing a dear loved one is very difficult to bare. May you find the strength and comfort to cope. (Psalms 94:19)

DH

January 6, 2017

Gavin and Family
Jill was a wonderful and selfless women
giving her life to cause in which she
believed in so much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
at this difficult time.
Psalms 65:2

Nancy

January 6, 2017

I am sorry to hear of the passing of your wife, mother, daughter and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. May the love and memories you have for her comfort you at this sadden time and in the days ahead. May the God of all comfort be with your family as well.

January 6, 2017

May the peace of God be with the family.

January 6, 2017

God Bless you Jill for your fight on sexual violance. And for being an organ donor. I know God has a very special place for you in Heaven.Rest in Peace knowing you have helped so many.

Ann

January 6, 2017

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Take comfort in knowing our Creator is there for you in this time of deep sorrow. 2 Thessalonians 2:16&27.

J

January 6, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 6, 2017

My condolences. Isaías 33:24.

Jackie

January 6, 2017

Condolences to the Saward family. Sorry for your loss. She was involved in a good campaign. We need more people like her to take a stand. God is the only one who can rid this world of wickedness.
Proverbs 37:10&11

Jeanine Martin

January 6, 2017

To Jills family what an inspiration to all woman who have been victimized sexually and other wise!! Im so sorry for your loss may god be with u during this difficult time RIP Jill

Donna James

January 6, 2017

May God Bring you comfort and peace in a time of sorrow. RIP Jill.

January 6, 2017

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14 Sincerely. L Ohio

Valenda Newell

January 5, 2017

HOLDING ONE IN THOUGHT AND PRAYER...RIH

Sheila S.

January 5, 2017

God bless you Jill and all those who love you.

January 5, 2017

Rest in peace.

January 5, 2017

How beautiful that Jill used her life to help others. Please accept my condolences.

Raechelle

Scott Chamberland

January 5, 2017

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Adrian Barnette

January 5, 2017

We'll miss you !

Carson Family

January 5, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to Jill's family and friends. Know that your pain does not go unnoticed, God is aware and he cares about you. As you pray remember Psalm 10:17 tells us that when we pray, God listens.

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Sign Jill Saward's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 26, 2017

Chloe Stapp posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 10, 2017

A S posted to the memorial.