Tributes have been pouring in for Dame Deborah James, with Macmillan Cancer Support hailing her an "inspiration" and NHS bosses saying she will "undoubtedly have saved many lives".
The BBC podcaster, also known as Bowel Babe, sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer today (June 28) at the age of 40.
Following the announcement of her passing on Instagram, Macmillan Cancer Support tweeted: "We are so sad to hear that Deborah James has died, and our thoughts are with her family and many friends.
"Deb has been an inspiration to us all. We’re so grateful for all of her generous support over the years, and her dedication to stand together with people with cancer."
Deborah was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 and worked tirelessly ever since to raise money for vital research into life-saving treatments.
Between cancer treatments, she took part in a variety of fundraising challenges in aid of Bowel Cancer UK and raised £60,000 for the charity by the time she was named a patron in February 2021.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We’re deeply saddened that our patron Dame Deborah James has died, and our hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew and loved her.
"Deborah’s star shone bright; she was a true inspiration.
"She turned her bowel cancer diagnosis into an incredible force for good and through her tireless campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, will have saved countless lives."
Genevieve added: "Deborah brought warmth, energy, and honesty to everything she did. Even during her most difficult times living with bowel cancer, she never stopped helping others.
"We are truly grateful to have known Deborah and to call her our friend.
"She was a powerful patron for Bowel Cancer UK, and leaves a stunning legacy through her Bowelbabe Fund, a testament to the love and admiration so many had for her."
Deborah's Bowelbabe Fund currently stands at £6.8 million. The money raised will go to Cancer Research UK to fund clinical trials, improve medical care and support campaigns to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said in a statement: "On behalf of the whole NHS I would like to offer my condolences to the family and many friends of Deborah James.
"Deborah’s amazing attitude was humbling and a lesson to us all.
“Not only will her fundraising have helped countless other cancer patients but her determination to raise awareness will undoubtedly have saved many lives."
Deborah hoped to lift the stigma surrounding bowel cancer symptoms in a bid to save the lives of as many people as possible.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "I’m terribly saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James has died. What an inspiration she was to so many.
"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."
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner wrote: “Rest in peace Deborah James. What an incredible, fierce, bright and brilliant woman.
“An absolutely extraordinary campaigner. Thank you for your rebellious hope and the millions you have inspired @bowelbabe. Thinking of your many loved ones.”
