A woman who became the first rape victim to waive her anonymity after being raped at her father's vicarage in Ealing has been hailed as a "hero of our times" following her death at 51.

Jill Saward waived her anonymity to speak about a sexual assault, after being attacked at her home in 1986, while her father and boyfriend were tied up.

The brutal attack, which came to be known as the Ealing Vicarage Rape, received widespread attention after judge Mr Justice Leonard said the trauma suffered by her "had not been so great".

Ms Saward, aged 21 at the time of the attack, went on to write about her ordeal in her memoir 'Rape: My Story', and campaign on issues including sexual violence and violence against women.

Jill Saward was raped during the "vicarage rape" in 1986

She died on Tuesday (January 3) after suffering a stroke earlier this week and is survived by Gavin Drake, her journalist husband of 23 years, and three sons.

In a statement, her family said: "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 haemorrhage 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."

Jill Saward was 21 at the time of the attack. (Picture: Birmingham Post/John James).

Born in Liverpool in 1965, Ms Saward once wrote she had no issues with being "tagged" as a rape victim, adding: "I make no complaint about this tag as it has enabled me to challenge politicians and work for change."

Her work over the last three decades saw her advise police and the judiciary on how best to deal with sexual assault and rape cases, as well as numerous media appearances campaigning for the rights of victims of sex attacks.

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell tweeted to say Ms Saward had been a "hero of our times".

He said: "I'm devastated to hear that Jill Saward has died.

"She was a beautiful, remarkable and inspiring human being. A courageous hero of our times."

David Kerr(left), who's wife Jill Saward (right) was raped during the "vicarage rape" in 1986.

Ms Saward co-founded Jurors Understanding Rape Is Essential Standard (Juries) to campaign for mandatory briefings about myths and stereotypes about sexual violence in trials.

Co-founder Alison Boydell said: "Jill was an indefatigable advocate for victim-survivors of sexual violence and dedicated her life to campaigning and raising awareness of rape and sexual violence.

"She also championed many other campaigns and causes and supported so many through her work, kindness and compassion."

A spokesman for charity Rape Crisis England and Wales said she will be sorely missed.

The charity said: "Waiving her right to lifelong anonymity, she campaigned tirelessly for both legal and social justice for victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence.

"Jill was able to step outside of her own harrowing experience to highlight the needs and rights of all those impacted by sexual violence.

"Most recently, she was focusing on the need to educate jurors at rape trials through the Juries campaign, which she co-founded.

"Jill was courageous, pioneering and an inspiration. She will be sorely missed."

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