Campaign and podcast host Deborah James has died at the age of 40 after a long battle with bowel cancer, her family said in a statement.
The mother of two, also known as Bowel Babe, was known for her life records in the treatment of her illness, running a blog and Instagram page along with the popular BBC podcast You, Me and Big C.
Announcing her death on Instagram, James’ family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Lady Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mom. Deborah died peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
“She was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work,” they said.
They said James’ last words to the public were: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; custom deep; don’t be sorry and always, always have rebellious hope. Finally, check your stools – it can just save your life. “
Deborah Heather’s mother, James, who is called Bowelgran on social media, shared a series of photos of her daughter on Instagram and said: “My heart is broken. I love you forever.”
Deborah James and Steve Bland, husband of the last co-host of “You, Me and the Big C”, Laura Bland, with the award for best podcast at the TRIC 2019 awards
(PA)
Dozens of figures from the world of entertainment, in which James entered his last years, went online to pay tribute to the presenter. Good Morning presenter Charlotte Hawkins, BBC radio presenter Chris Stark and TV presenter Gabby Roslin were among those who paid tribute.
Genevieve Edwards, CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We are really grateful to have known Deborah and called her our friend. She was a powerful patron of bowel cancer in the United Kingdom and left a stunning legacy through her BowelBabe fund, a testament to the love and admiration that many felt for her.
She added: “She has turned her diagnosis of bowel cancer into an incredible force for good and through her tireless campaign to raise awareness about the symptoms of bowel cancer will save countless lives.
In the weeks leading up to her death, James was awarded the title of woman. Downing Street said: “The Queen is pleased to approve the honor of Damehood being given to Deborah James.
Boris Johnson paid tribute to James, saying: “If honor has ever been well deserved, it is her. Deborah is an inspiration, and her honesty, warmth and courage are a source of strength for so many people.
James with Prince William after he gave her a lady
(BowelBabe)
“Through her tireless campaign and by sharing her experience so openly, she not only helped in our fight against this terrible disease, she ensured that countless others with the Big C did not feel alone.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the fund’s donors, praising James for her “tireless efforts” to raise awareness about cancer and thanking her for “giving hope” to people living with the disease.
James responded to the woman’s behavior and said she was “blown away and crying.” The presenter spent her last days at her parents’ home, surrounded by her family.
She was first diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35.
The campaign educator has worked tirelessly for the past six years to raise awareness about the disease and get bowel cancer at an early age. She ran marathons, organized a charity ball and was named a patron of bowel cancer in the UK in 2021.
She began co-producing her podcast with Lauren Mahan and Rachel Bland in 2018. Bland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, died six months after the show began, at the age of 40.
In May, James announced that he was receiving care at the end of his life and leaving public life.
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