BBC presenter and writer Deborah James has died following her battle with cancer.
The podcaster sadly passed away on Tuesday, June 28 at the age of 40.
A heartbreaking social media post shared on her bowelbabe Instagram page read: “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.
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“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.
(Image: GL Weekend)
“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,”
It concluded: “Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
(Image: David M. Benett/Getty Images for Royal Ascot)
“And a few final things from Deborah…’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.” x”
The mum-of-two, who was diagnosed in December 2016 at the age of 35, was told she would not live beyond five years – the milestone she passed in 2021.
After sharing a heartbreaking health update with her followers, she spent her final days surrounded by her family and friends.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roy)
In a heartbreaking tweet, Deborah penned: “The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.
“5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy. I’m under hospice at home care, & I’m spending my time surrounded by my family. Please buy me a [SIC] to see me out and raise vital funds.”
She campaigned and fundraised alongside major UK cancer charities, having raised over £250k for various cancer causes.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Last month, Deborah took to Instagram to share the news that her body “simply isn’t playing ball” as she shared another devastating update.
The proud mum-of-two penned: “The message I never wanted to write. We have tried everything, but my body simply isn’t playing ball.
“My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at-home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.
The 40-year-old star continued by adding: “Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not unable to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we have left no stone unturned.
“But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore.
“In over five years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school – I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye.
“I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me. But I don’t think anyone can say the last six months have exactly been kind!
“It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will.”
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The mum-of-two is asking her supporters to donate to a charitable fund set up in her name to raise funds to fight bowel cancer.
The much-loved BBC star finished the post by saying: “Right now for me, it’s all about taking it a day at a time, step by step and being grateful for another sunrise.
“My whole family are around me and we will dance through this together, sunbathing and laughing (I’ll cry!!) at every possible moment!”
Deborah leaves behind her children Hugo, 14, Eloise, 12, and her husband, Sebastien.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
