The devastated mum of Dame Deborah James has said her 'heart is broken' following her daughter's death at the age of just 40.
The cancer campaigner and podcaster, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, tragically died on Tuesday. Her family announced her death in a statement on Instagram and said she passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.
Deborah - also known as Bowel Babe - spent her final weeks receiving end-of-life care at home with her husband, Sebastien, and their two children. She raised millions of pounds for cancer research and was made a dame for her 'tireless' work improving awareness of the disease.
READ MORE: 'Take risks, love deeply and have no regrets' - Dame Deborah James' inspiring final message
Last night, Deborah's mum Heather paid a touching tribute to her daughter on social media. On her Instagram account, which has the handle Bowel Gran, she shared a picture of Deborah and wrote: "My heart is broken."
On another post she then added: "Love you forever." Heather also shared their family statement following Deborah's death.
The statement in full said: "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. Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
"And a few final things from Deborah…“find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.” x (Shared with Deborah’s permission)."
Tributes for the presenter of the BBC podcast You, Me And The Big C have continued to pour in overnight since the news of her death was announced. Boris Johnson hailed her as an 'inspiration'.
The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter: "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."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said news of her death was 'deeply sad'. He added: "Dame Deborah James’ charity work was truly inspirational — even in the most challenging moments, she continued to raise awareness about bowel cancer and impacted so many people’s lives. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."
BBC radio presenter Chris Stark wrote: "Dame Deborah James. You inspired so many and did everything to the fullest.
"No one can do more than that. I hope we can have a gin wherever this all leads. Thinking of your family and friends and everyone that is going through similar. Rest in Peace Debs x."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Angry mob descends on paedophile's home after vile sexual chats with NINE 'girls'
- Mum's heartache after 'wonderful' baby boy dies and says 'mistakes were made'
- Mum hits out as luggage goes missing on TUI holiday and still hasn't returned three weeks later
- Dame Deborah James dies age 40 after cancer battle
- Mum hits out as luggage goes missing on TUI holiday and still hasn't returned three weeks later
