Deborah James’ mum Heather has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter following her death aged 40.
The BBC presenter and podcaster sadly passed away yesterday (June 28), following a five-year battle with stage four bowel cancer.
Shortly after the devastating news was confirmed by her family in a poignant statement, Heather also took to social media to share her grief as she posted two snaps of her beloved daughter.
READ MORE: BBC’s Deborah James dies aged 40 after ‘goodbye’ message following cancer battle
“My heart is broken. Love you forever,” she penned alongside photos of Deborah.
Heather and her husband Alistair continued to support her daughter throughout her battle with cancer.
In the final stages of her life, Deborah even moved out of her London home and into her parents’ bungalow in Woking in order to create happy memories for her children.
(Image: bowelgran/Instagram)
Before her passing, Deborah thanked her family for helping to care for her in recent months.
In an interview with The Sun, Deborah said: “They have all been incredible, going above and beyond to look after me and nurse me.
“What I have seen from them in the last two weeks is true love, deep love. It’s overwhelming.”
She said her main priorities were her young children – 12-year-old Eloise and 14-year-old Hugo – adding that she was trying to shield them from her lowest moments.
(Image: bowelgran/Instagram)
The podcaster and journalist was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in December 2016 and has spent the past five years raising awareness of the disease.
Back in May, she announced she was receiving end of life care at home.
Sadly, Deborah lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday.
In a long statement shared on her bowelbabe Instagram page, her family said: “Dame Deborah James.
(Image: bowelgran/Instagram)
“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.”
(Image: bowelgran/Instagram)
It concluded: “Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
“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.”
Deborah leaves behind her children Hugo, 14, Eloise, 12, and her husband, Sebastien.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
