DEBORAH James has been hailed as “truly remarkable” as tributes pour in following her death.
The campaigner died at the age of 40 today – almost six years after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The mum-of-two, known as BowelBabe to her legions of Instagram fans, was told she had with stage 4 bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016, at the age of 35.
Deborah’s heartbreaking family revealed the inspirational Sun columnist died today surrounded by her loved ones – sparking a flurry of tributes.
Boris Johnson said he was “terribly saddened” by the news of Dame Deborah’s passing.
The PM wrote: “What an inspiration she was to so many.
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“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.”
Sir Keir Starmer praised Deborah’s charity work in a tribute shared on Twitter.
The Labour leader wrote: “Deeply sad news.
“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.
Piers Morgan described her as “a truly remarkable and inspiring woman” adding it was “such sad news”.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “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.”
And ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins tweeted: “Oh no, heartbreaking news that @bowelbabe has left us. What an inspiration, a truly special person who saved lives & did so much to help others.
“Who showed that even a terminal diagnosis wasn’t going to stop her living life to the full. So much love to her family and friends.”
Carol Vorderman paid tribute in a tweet, saying: “Your incredible spirit will live on”.
Alison Hammond added: “Such sad news. RIP Dame Deborah James! Condolences to her family.”
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.”
After learning last month she would receive end-of-life hospice care, Deborah began fundraising in earnest – with the total now topping an astonishing £6.7million.
Her legions of fans around the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account tonight.
‘INCREDIBLY PROUD’
It reads: “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.”
True to form, the beloved national treasure had the last word.
She penned a final missive to supporters before her death. Her words were shared in the Instagram post tonight.
“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,” she said.
“And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.”
Despite being told she had an eight per cent chance of living five years, Deborah defied the odds stacked against her.
After celebrating her 40th birthday last October – a birthday she never dreamed she would live to see – the brave campaigner marked the five-year milestone a few months later.
Deborah shared every step of her journey with Sun readers in her column Things Cancer Made Me Say and her army of loyal social media followers.
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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.
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
