Tom Parker's widow Kelsey has paid tribute to Deborah James and explained how the BBC presenter was "a pillar of strength" for The Wanted star prior to his tragic death in March.
Mum-of-two Kelsey, 32, sent "earth angel" Deborah, 40, a supportive message on Tuesday, just hours after the popular podcaster told fans the "time has come to say goodbye", following a five-year battle with stage 4 bowel cancer.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kelsey dubbed mum-of-two Deborah "a hero" and provided a link to the campaigner's link to the BowelBabe Fund, which has now hit £2million since launching on Monday.
Writing above a picture of the inspirational fundraiser, Kelsey shared: "Sending love, light and strength to you, your family and babies. Deborah, you are an earth angel. You’ve raised so much awareness and money, you’re a hero.
"Your courage is inspiring. You were a pillar of strength for my Tommy Boy, always there with advice. I know you were both members of a club that you didn’t want to be in. I wish we all could’ve met under different circumstances."
The grieving mum-of-two concluded with: "Like Tom, you’ve never let cancer define you and what a legacy you’ve created."
Bolton-born Tom passed away aged 33 on 30 March, following an 18-month battle with brain cancer - raising money and awareness of the condition prior to his death.
On Monday, Bowel Cancer UK patron Deborah heartbreakingly told fans she is now in hospice care and is spending her time surrounded by her family and friends.
The much-loved BBC star penned: "The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.
"It has been 5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy.
"I’m under hospice at home care, & I’m spending my time surrounded by my family. Please buy me a wine to see me out and raise vital funds."
The campaigner raised over £1million in just 24 hours - with the current total now surpassing £2million at the time of reporting.
Earlier in the day, Deborah gave a more detailed health update over on her Instagram page.
"My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.
"Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not unable to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we have left no stone unturned.
"But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore."
She added: "In over 5 years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school - I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye.
"I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me. But I don’t think anyone can say the last 6 months has exactly been kind.
"It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will.
"Bowelbabe Fund. I always knew there was one thing I always wanted to do before I died."
