Tributes have continued to pour in for campaigner Dame Deborah James after her death on Tuesday, with her Bowelbabe fund reaching more than £7m.
The mother-of-two, who had used her own terminal diagnosis of stage four cancer to inspire the public and raise millions for charity, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Her family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
“Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund
“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
“And a few final things from Deborah…’find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.’”
Among those paying tribute was the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The royal couple sent a personalised tweet on Wednesday morning saying: “We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.
“Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones. Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on. W & C.”
Prince William had personally delivered Dame Deborah her Damehood in May.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Dame Deborah was “an inspiration”.
“The awareness she brought to bowel cancer and the research her campaigning has funded will be her enduring legacy. Because of her, many many lives will be saved,” he said.
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the 40-year-old, saying: “Dame Deborah James’ charity work was truly inspirational — even in the most challenging moments, she continued to raise awareness about bowel cancer and impacted so many people’s lives.”
TV’s Carol Vorderman paid tribute on social media writing: “Your incredible spirit will live on”, while Alison Hammond added: “Such sad news. RIP Dame Deborah James! Condolences to her family.”
BBC presenter George Alagiah, who was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2014, said Dame Deborah was “a beacon, lighting the way for us all of us #livingwithcancer”.
Genevieve Edwards, the chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said Dame Deborah leaves a “tremendous legacy".
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “She never stopped raising awareness. Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about often and don't really ... they find it a little bit embarrassing.
“She's stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it."
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said the podcaster was an inspiration to many.
She said: “We are devastated to hear that Dame Deborah James has died, and our thoughts are with her family and friends. Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, Deborah did whatever she could to fundraise, challenge taboos, and raise awareness of cancer – with honesty, compassion and humour. She was an inspiration to so many people, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
“A powerful writer, reporter and broadcaster, Deborah shone a light on the devastating impact of COVID on cancer care, and was a passionate advocate for the power of science and early diagnosis.
“Becoming a dame was a wonderful and fitting recognition for all Deborah achieved. We’re honoured to have worked with Deborah and her family in establishing the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK to continue her legacy.”
Teresa Whitfield, who was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer after seeing Dame Deborah talking about symptoms on TV, told the programme that the podcast host had saved her life.
Asked what she would say to Dame Deborah's family, Ms Whitfield, who is now cancer-free, said: “I think I actually have only one word which is thankyou.”
In a moving story on her Instagram page, @bowelgran, Dame Deborah’s mum Heather shared a clip of her late daughter dancing with the caption “love you forever”.
Sharing the sad news of her death, her family said: “Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer.
“Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.”
