Dame Deborah James' funeral will take place today, as her loving family lay the star known as 'Bowelbabe' to rest.
The 40-year-old raised almost £7 million for research into cancer, campaigning tirelessly while battling bowel cancer herself - and was made a Dame for her endless efforts. She tragically lost her battle with the disease last month, and today, close friends and family are expected to attend the private service in memory of the star, who touched so many lives.
The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, and went on to share candid posts about her progress and diagnosis. These posts included videos of her dancing her way through tiring and uncomfortable treatments.
Read more: Dame Deborah James tributes pour in after cancer campaigners death
The Mirror reports that Dame Deborah had stopped active treatment in early May, and was receiving end of life care at her parents' home in Woking. The You, Me and the Big C podcast star lived out her final weeks to the full with her husband Sebastien, and their two children by her side every step of the way.
As well as drinking champagne with Prince William in a visit at her parents' house while receiving her damehood, Deborah also rocked up at Ascot and Glyndebourne opera house looking fantastic. But despite many with their fingers crossed that the Bowelbabe would defy all odds against her, her devastated family confirmed her death on June 28, with a touching Instagram post in picture and video form.
Their statement read: "Dame Deborah James. 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."
The inspiration's enthusiasm and bravery were appreciated by all, with one of Deborah's final legacies inspiring a major change to toilet roll packs across the UK. From September, some 29 million packs of one of the UK's best-selling toilet paper's packaging will feature a QR code.
The code on Andrex's Classic Clean will then redirect consumers to Bowel Cancer UK's symptoms and information page, to spread awareness on the condition.
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