Friends, family and even strangers have answered the call for help after a Bishopdown Farm mother of two was diagnosed with cancer.

After Jess Paton, 34, was diagnosed with a grade four astrocytoma brain tumour on Friday, April 12, close friend Hannah Compton decided to set up a JustGiving page so Jess and her partner Lewis Chapman, who works as a self-employed music producer in Southampton, could remove financial burdens from their worries.

Jess and Hannah have only known each other for two years, but Hannah explained how the two simply clicked and became close friends quickly.

Hannah said: “We’ve become very close over that time and we’re in contact most days. I’ve become quite close with her family, as well.”

On the day Jess was diagnosed, Hannah visited her to provide emotional support.

SEE ALSO: Inside the 700-year-old building that Greenfields Gunmakers calls home

Salisbury Journal: Jess Paton with her familyJess Paton with her family (Image: Hannah Compton)

Hannah said: “I went round that morning and we cried a lot together and laughed a lot together.

“I went home thinking there’s nothing I can do which is going to make this better.”

Hannah decided that she could help with practical challenges facing Jess and Lewis’ family.

She called MacMillan Cancer Support for information she could share with Lewis and Jess, set up the JustGiving page and began organising a rota among Jess’ friends and family to establish who is available at which times to help Jess during difficult treatments which will include radiation and chemotherapy.

Hannah said: “Jess is horrified by the whole thing because she’s extremely independent.”

As of Thursday, April 18, the JustGiving page has raised more than £6,000 in its first two days, taking Hannah completely by surprise.

Hannah said: “People are generally good and people really want to help people who genuinely need help.

“I’m so overwhelmed by the response.”

The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/keepfightingJess