Dame Deborah James has been awarded a posthumous honorary degree for her work in the fight against cancer. Her award was accepted by her father, who said she had been "honoured and proud" to receive the news.
Accepting the 'Bowel Babe' star's Honorary Doctorate of Science from the Institute of Cancer Research, Alistair James said it was "mixed with sadness". He said the cancer campaigner had realised she was unlikely to be able to fulfil the invitation.
Deborah died on June 28 at the age of 40 following a five-year battle with bowel cancer. Her BowelBabe Fund for Cancer Research UK has so far raised £7.5 million through its online fundraiser.
The degree ceremony was also attended by Deborah's mum Heather, brother Benjamin and sister Sarah, the Mirror reports. Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, Deborah's co-hosts of the You Me and the Big C podcast, also received awards.
Alistair said: "When Deborah was invited to accept today’s degree she was honoured and proud. But this was mixed with a sense of sadness as she realised it was one of the first entries in her diary that she was unlikely to fulfil.
"However, in recognition of what this award meant to her, Deborah was clear in her wishes that her family should be here today on her behalf and to give thanks to the institute and staff for its work and the honour bestowed upon her."
Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland were honoured for their 'outstanding contribution to raising awareness of living with cancer and the importance of cancer research'. Steve, whose wife Rachael Bland died from breast cancer in 2018, admitted the moment was "bitter sweet".
Sharing pictures of the ceremony on Instagram, Steve wrote: "Of course it was bittersweet because Deb wasn’t there to collect the award that she was so excited about." He added: "Can’t tell you how humbling and overwhelming it was to be on the stage watching all the graduates get their degrees and hearing about all the incredible work they’re doing and are going to do.
"It’s so exciting to see so many amazing, passionate young people who want to create a better future for people with cancer."
