Former British minister who helps London win 2012 Olympics bid dies at 70

LONDON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Former British Labour cabinet minister Tessa Jowell, a major role in securing the 2012 Olympics for London, died late Saturday aged 70, her family said on Sunday.

Tessa, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in May last year, suffered a haemorrhage on Friday, and had been in a coma until her death on Saturday night.

She helped London win the 2012 Olympics bid when she served as British culture secretary.

Early Sunday, Food blogger Ella Woodward, who is married to Jowell's son Matthew, posted on Instagram: "Matt's extraordinary Mum passed away last night."

Around 10,700 athletes took part in the London Olympics in 2012, with 79 countries and regions acquiring at least one medal: gold, silver or bronze.