Deborah James’ legacy as bowel cancer campaigner and the millions she raised for charity

Deborah James, 40, has sadly passed away following her battle with bowel cancer. She promised to live her life to the fullest and has left behind a lasting legacy

Dame Deborah James, who touched the hearts of millions as she documented her fight against stage 4 bowel cancer, has tragically died aged 40.

The BBC podcaster achieved some amazing things and leaves behind a lasting legacy which will save many lives.

Deborah never shied away from the realities of her disease and began documenting her journey after she was diagnosed in 2016, aged just 35.

The headteacher-turned-campaigner worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the signs of bowel cancer.

Between cancer treatments, Deborah ran marathons, organised a charity ball and took part in a variety of fundraising challenges in aid of Bowel Cancer UK. She raised £60,000 for the charity by the time she was named a patron in February 2021.

The mum-of-two has since raised more than £6.79 million and counting for Cancer Research UK via her Bowelbabe Fund. The money raised will help fund clinical trials and research into personalised medicine for cancer patients.

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.”

Deborah began co-presenting the podcast You, Me and the Big C in 2018. Her co-host Rachael Bland passed away just six months after the show launched after a battle with breast cancer.

The podcast offered a candid look at cancer and was praised for its "confessional booth" style of discussion about the disease.

It was designed to have a light-hearted feel to it, allowing people to open up about difficult conversations.

Deborah spent her final days surrounded by family

Image:

( @bowelbabe/Instagram)

Deborah also wrote two books — F**k You Cancer: How to face the Big C, live your life and still be yourself, published 2018, and How to live when you could be dead, which came out in April 2021.

Her second book went to number one in the Amazon best sellers list, with the money raised from sales going to fund vital research.

In 2020, she was named JustGiving Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year and was also awarded an honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Law at the Royal Marsden School.

Deborah was also honoured with a damehood for her campaign work.

Thanks to Deborah, Marks & Spencer announced it will add information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer to its toilet roll packaging.

Deborah had published two books

Image:

( @bowelbabe/Instagram)

The changes will come into effect from September. As of this month, new signage about bowel cancer symptoms will also be available inside stores and across support centre toilets.

Deborah often spoke of the importance of checking for bowel cancer symptoms and contacting doctors if you are concerned.

She had a Rebellious Hope T-shirt which was sold through In The Style. Sales have made a massive £1 million to date.

Deborah's family led tributes to her on Tuesday night, as they confirmed on social media she passed away surrounded by loved ones.

In a statement, they said: "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."

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