Dame Deborah James' clothing range has already raised more than £1million for cancer research. Emblazoned with the message 'rebellious hope', it is a legacy that is certain to continue helping people after her death aged 40 yesterday.
Journalist and broadcaster Dame Deborah announced the clothing collection in collaboration with In The Style at the end of May. She said the work had "honestly kept me going and taken me away from cancer".
Available to buy is a variety of dresses, skirts and tops, all raising funds for cancer research. Just 10 days before she died, Dame Deborah shared a picture of herself with In The Style's founder Adam Frisby and his partner Jamie Corbett, reports BirminghamLive.
She wrote on Instagram: "WOW!! ONE MILLION POUNDS. I am honestly so overwhelmed we, through @inthestyle raised over £1,000,000 for @bowelbabefund for @cr_uk! All from sales of the ITS x Dame Deborah James collection and 'Rebellious Hope' T-shirts that I designed with @inthestyle. (One million, that's just crazy).
"I got a lovely little visit yesterday from the @inthestyle founder @fr15by and his partner @thejamiecorbett who brought this lovely cheque and we have had a little toast to celebrate it."
She continued: "Rebellious Hope is what has got me through the last few years and it's what is keeping me going now! Seeing all your messages, tags and support has just been the best and I am so grateful that we have been able to do this together! Thank you all."
The clothing collection reflects the colours of British summer time, which she said was one of her inspirations for the range. There are a range of items available in the collection, including unisex, standard fit and oversized T-shirts which say 'Rebellious Hope' and cost £15. There's also a navy fitted T-shirt with the slogan in gold leaf for £18. You can order the collection here.
Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2016 and rose to fame with her podcast You Me and the Big C, where she and fellow hosts Rachael Bland and Lauren Mahon documented their experiences of cancer.
She raised £6.7m for her @bowelbabefund which she launched in an Instagram post in May where she said that her body had "stopped playing ball". She was given a damehood at home by Prince William in the days following, which she said was one of the most "surreal" experiences of her life.
A post shared to Dame Deborah’s Instagram account last night read: "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."
