Deborah James’ inspiring final words to Eamonn Holmes two weeks before her death
Deborah James told Eamonn Holmes and wife Ruth Langsford that she has defied doctors’ predictions regarding her life expectancy, the GB News presenter said in a tribute to the fundraiser
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Dame Deborah James dies from bowel cancer age 40
Eamonn Holmes has shared the last words Dame Deborah James said to him, as he paid tribute to the brave campaigner.
Deborah passed away on Tuesday, aged 40, while surrounded by her beloved family and friends.
The mum leaves behind husband Sebastien and children Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She had been fighting stage 4 bowel cancer since December 2016 and had documented her fight on social media – having inspired millions of fans.
Tributes to the broadcaster have flooded in, including from TV presenter Eamonn.
He posted a picture of him and his wife Ruth Langsford with Deborah at Royal Ascot taken just two weeks before her death.
The photo show Deborah chatting to Ruth in her wheelchair, wearing a polka dot dress and straw hat.
Eamonn paid tribute to Deborah on Instagram
Image:
( eamonnholmes/Instagram)
Eamonn stands behind the wheelchair, while Ruth is bent down, engrossed in the discussion.
In the caption, the veteran broadcaster wrote: “Bye Dame Deborah. This was just 2 weeks ago at Ascot . She told us then that she had been given just a week to live and had already out lasted that by 2 weeks. May you #RestinPeace.”
On Instagram earlier this month, Deborah spoke about her enjoyment at the races, which she attended with her brother and his fiancée.
Deborah at Ascot with her brother
Image:
( Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roy)
The star has died after a battle with cancer
“Yesterday was really special as with a lot of effort and help I actually made it to @ascotracecourse once again,” she wrote on her BowelBabe Instagram page.
“I honestly have to pinch myself that I’ve been well enough each day to do something like this. Another favourite I’d had in mind and a fab milestone to say ‘ain’t dead yet!'”
She continued: “Obviously like most haven’t been for a while due to covid, but so nice to be back and thank you to @ascotracecourse for making the whole experience for me and my brother just seamless and achievable for me.
“Memories made, but most importantly I got 3 wins in a row and am still bouncing off the ceiling from them still!!!”
While the much-loved star had continued to maintain a positive outlook amid her cancer battle, the TV star took to social media in May to reveal that she no longer knew how long she had left as she opened up about her stage 4 cancer.
Deborah, who is behind the popular BBC podcast ‘You, Me and the Big C’, said that although she had been fighting her illness for five years, it was still not easy to accept and say goodbye.
Deborah with her husband Sebastian
Image:
( PA)
In her final weeks, the mum-of-two revealed she was receiving end-of-life care at her home in Surrey.
She also had a private tour at the Chelsea Flower Show to see her rose, which The Harkness Rose Company named after her in tribute to the brave star in a ‘lovely honour’ which moved the dame to tears.
It came after she was honoured with a damehood by Prince William – just a few days after she revealed her cancer fight had taken a turn for the worse.
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