Brave campaigner Deborah James has given TV bosses permission to air an episode of Embarrassing Bodies which she features in, even if she has passed away by the time it hits screens. Deborah, 40, has been raising awareness of bowel cancer since she was diagnosed with it five years ago, and announced last week that she would be moving into hospice care.
Since sharing with fans that 'nobody knows how long [she's] got left', as reported by Bristol Live, Deborah has been trying to raise even more awareness of the disease and has raised a staggering amount of money for Cancer Research UK. Prior to finding out her body was 'just not playing ball', Deborah filmed an episode of Embarrassing Bodies, and has now revealed that it will be airing even if she isn't around to watch it herself.
The episode will see Deborah speak with young people about cancer, and will air next month. Speaking to The Sun about her final TV appearance, Deborah said: "I might not live to see the episode air but I hope the message to 'Check your poo' will live on, long after I'm gone.
"It might be embarrassing but it might just save your life. Early diagnosis of things like bowel cancer saves lives. So don't live to regret it, and don't risk dying because you're shy. I've given my blessing for this episode to run if I'm gone, if it helps save one life it will be worth it."
Deborah, who has raised an incredible £6million for Cancer Research UK since revealing she is moving to end-of-life care, has also announced she has written a book called 'How To Live When You Could Be Dead'. Sadly, the book will be published on August 18, which Deborah says is 'long after [she's] flying high'.
Posing with a copy of her upcoming book, Deborah shared some news with her followers. She wrote: "I wrote another book!! So I’ve got a few things to share with you before I die that I’m gutted I won’t see in real life!
"But I’ve now been granted permission to share them and I’m really excited! For the last 2 years I’ve been working on my second book How to Live when you could be Dead - oh the irony of the title! I wanted to share all my (hard-won!!) learning on how to have a positive mindset when we are faced with life’s biggest challenges."
Deborah added: "Whilst it is in its final edits, as anyone in publishing will know, suddenly changing book publication dates (regardless of health!) isn’t an easy feat. It was originally due out Jan 2023!!!
"All things considered, Penguin have managed to put it on pre-order and are aiming to publish it on the 18th August! It is still long after I’m flying high, but hopefully a little less longer for you to wait.
"We have worked really hard over the last few days to ensure the book benefits Bowelbabe Fund as much as possible. All my royalties will go to the fund and Penguin have kindly agreed to make an additional contribution per book. Altogether the donation per book will be £3."
