DAME Deborah James’s family have called for Brits to continue supporting her BowelBabe Fund – as the total nears a whopping £7million.
Loved ones say they want to “give more Deborahs” support with the donations. All cash raised will go to Cancer Research UK.
The heroic campaigner died yesterday at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
In a post on the BowelBabeFund Instagram page today, Deborah’s family said: “Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer.
“She was a passionate advocate for science and early diagnosis, all whilst going through treatment herself.
“Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring and we’re honoured to be continuing her legacy long into the future through The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.”
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The money will fund clinical trials and research that could aid with cancer breakthroughs in the future.
“We hope to give more Deborahs more time through this work,” the family said.
And they included a message from Deb herself, who urged people to continue raising cash before she died.
The mum-of-two said: “Your support in establishing the Bowelbabe Fund will help so many more people benefit, like I have, from the amazing work of these causes in the many years to come.”
After learning last month she would receive end-of-life hospice care, Deborah began fundraising in earnest.
She wrote a chart-topping book and designed a sell-out fashion range for In The Style to help raise money.
Her legions of fans around the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account last night.
It read: “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.”
Debs herself had added a postscript to the message.
In a special message to her fans, she said: “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.”
It comes as:
- Tributes flood in for Dame Deborah
- Donations to the BowelBabe Fund near £7million
- Sun readers are invited to leave their own messages of condolence
- Susanna Reid fought back tears on Good Morning Britain as she spoke of the loss of her friend
- Deborah’s mum said her “heart is broken” in a deeply moving social media post
Last month Deborah was handed a damehood in just 24 hours after Sun readers led calls for her to be honoured.
Normally, damehoods and knighthoods are announced only twice a year at either the New Year Honours or Queen’s Birthday Honours.
But because of Deborah’s circumstances, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and No 10 pulled out all the stops.
In an “unprecedented” move, Prince William cleared his diary to do the honours at a tea party at her parents’ home.
He and Kate Middleton paid tribute to Deborah this morning.
“We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah,” they said in a post on Twitter.
“Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.
“Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on.”
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In light of Dame Deborah James’ death we have re-released the episode of Fabulous Magazines podcast Things I Told My Daughter featuring Deborah and her daughter. You can listen here.
- Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
