SUN writer Dame Deborah James has died at the age of 40, her family revealed last night.
Debs meant so much to so many, and you can now leave your messages of tribute in our online book of condolence.
The inspirational campaigner was tireless in her efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer signs and symptoms.
Last month Deborah was moved to palliative care after she said her body had ‘stopped playing ball’.
It was from her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, that the mum-of-two continued to raise awareness.
In her final weeks she raised over £6.8million for the BowelBabe fund, which she set up to give ‘more Deborah’s more time’.
Read more on Deborah James
One of the biggest impacts Debs has had, is getting supermarkets up and down the country to display information about cancer on loo roll packaging.
In a final message published by her family yesterday, Dame Deborah 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.”
Since her diagnosis, the mum-of-two has shared her journey on Instagram and with Sun readers in her column Things Cancer Made Me Say.
She went on to present the award-winning BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C with fellow cancer patients Rachael Bland, who passed away in September 2018, Lauren Mahon and Rachael’s husband Steve.
Deborah is survived by her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14 and husband, Sebastien.
In a statement last night, her family 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.”
Tributes have already poured in for Deborah, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paying their respects.
In a personal signed message on Twitter, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: “We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.
“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. W & C”,
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK said Deborah left a ‘tremendous legacy’.
Read More on Trending In The News
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “She never stopped raising awareness. Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about often and don’t really…they find it a little bit embarrassing.
“She’s stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it.”
