DEBORAH James, otherwise known as BowelBabe, has died "peacefully" from bowel cancer at age 40.
Deborah's Just Giving page has received more than 300,000 donations and the grand total amount raised is just under £7 million.
The Dame was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
In a final message published by her family yesterday, Dame Deborah said: "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."
Since her diagnosis, the mum-of-two has shared her journey on Instagram and with Sun readers in her column Things Cancer Made Me Say.
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.
Deborah is survived by her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14 and husband, Sebastien.
Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund.
Read our Deborah James blog for the latest news and updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Mark Watson says Deborah had 'unbelievable tenacity'
Comedian Mark Watson said Dame Deborah was "a person of unbelievable tenacity".
He tweeted: "Goodbye to @bowelbabe, a person of unbelievable tenacity who turned the worst possible situation into an opportunity to inspire and educate. RIP."
- Joseph Gamp
Fred Sirieix and Carol Vorderman pay tribute
First Dates personality Fred Sirieix tweeted: "Deborah James passed away. Poor thing. RIP"
Carol Vorderman also paid tribute to Dame Deborah James, tweeting: "Rest in peace @Bowelbabe.
"Your incredible spirit will live on."
- Joseph Gamp
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer, where a cure would be readily available and the disease would no longer be a killer.
- Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
- Joseph Gamp
Raab pays tribute to Deborah during PMQs
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has paid tribute to Dame Deborah James as a "huge inspiration" during Prime Minister's Questions.
Standing in for Boris Johnson while he attends a Nato summit in Madrid, Mr Raab praised the podcaster and bowel cancer campaigner, who died on Tuesday aged 40, for raising millions for charity and inspiring others during her final months.
He told the Commons: "I know that the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of Dame Deborah James following the news of her death.
"I lost my father at a young age to cancer, I will know first-hand the pain that her family must be feeling, but we also know that Dame Deborah was a huge inspiration to so many and raised millions to help others affected by cancer."
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner offered her condolences, saying: "Can I also share with the Deputy Prime Minister his deepest condolences and his personal experience, as we mourn the loss of Dame Deborah James, who fearlessly campaigned to inspire so many.
"I'm absolutely sure there's no doubt that she saved the lives of many more."
- Joseph Gamp
Five signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know – remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
- Joseph Gamp
Labour leader 'deeply saddened' by Deborah's passing
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said news of her death was "deeply sad".
He added: "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."
- Joseph Gamp
Boris Johnson's tribute to BowelBabe
Boris Johnson hailed Dame Deborah James as an "inspiration" and said that because of her campaigning work "many, many lives will be saved".
The podcaster, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, died on Tuesday after spending her final weeks receiving end-of-life care at home with her husband, Sebastien, and their two children.
The Prime Minister was among those paying tribute, and wrote on Twitter: "I'm terribly saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James has died. What an inspiration she was to so many.
"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."
- Joseph Gamp
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer, where a cure would be readily available and the disease would no longer be a killer.
- Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
Nicola Sturgeon hails Deborah for her fight against cancer
Nicola Sturgeon praised Dame Deborah James for her fight against cancer, highlighting her fundraising efforts as well as her work to raise awareness of the disease.
The Scottish First Minister, speaking on Good Morning Britain, said: "Can I take the opportunity to personally pay tribute to Deborah James?
"Her loss at such a young age is clearly tragic, but the work she did to raise awareness of bowel cancer and of course the immense amount of money she raised will make such a difference."
- Joseph Gamp
Where to buy Deborah James' clothing
The main collection is set to launch via the InThe Style App very soon.
In the meantime, there is a range of T-shirts in the collection which say "Rebellious Hope" and cost £15.
There's also a navy fitted T-shirt with the slogan in gold leaf for £18.
You can order the collection here.
All of the profits from the sale will be paid directly to Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
- Joseph Gamp
How to donate to the BowelBabe fund
To donate to the charity, head to the BowelBabe Fund on JustGiving.
Every penny makes a difference as Deborah wrote on the page: "All I ask is that next time you pop for a coffee or grab a drink with a friend, please consider donating the cost of one extra for me."
Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2016.
At the time of writing this, she has raised almost £6.9 million for her @bowelbabefund which she launched in an Instagram post in May.
On June 29, a post shared on Dame Deborah’s Instagram confirmed that she had "peacefully passed away and was surrounded by her family".
- Joseph Gamp
Deborah's fundraising for Cancer Research UK passed £6m
In her final days, her campaigning earned her a damehood and her fundraiser for Cancer Research UK passed the £6 million mark.
She continued her campaigning by announcing she had written another book, titled How To Live When You Could Be Dead, documenting what she had learnt about how to have a positive mindset when faced with life's biggest challenges.
Dame Deborah also released a clothing line with In The Style, with 100% of the profits going towards the charity, with her Rebellious Hope slogan T-shirts a massive hit.
- Joseph Gamp
Cancer Research UK says Deborah's impact 'will be felt for years to come'
Dame Deborah James was "an inspiration to so many people and her impact will be felt for years to come", the chief executive of Cancer Research UK has said.
Dame Deborah died aged 40 on Tuesday having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. She campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and funds, with a JustGiving drive set up in aid of Cancer Research UK on track to hit £7 million.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, told the PA News Agency: "We are devastated to hear that Dame Deborah James has died and our thoughts are with her family and friends.
"Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, Deborah did whatever she could to fundraise, challenge taboos and raise awareness of cancer – with honesty, compassion and humour. She was an inspiration to so many people and her impact will be felt for years to come.
"A powerful writer, reporter and broadcaster, Deborah shone a light on the devastating impact of Covid on cancer care and was a passionate advocate for the power of science and early diagnosis.
"Becoming a dame was a wonderful and fitting recognition for all Deborah achieved. We're honoured to have worked with Deborah and her family in establishing the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK to continue her legacy.
"The fund will support causes and projects that Deborah was passionate about, including working with others such as the Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK.
"The overwhelming support the fund has received so far is a testament to how many people Deborah touched with her warmth, energy and sense of fun. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by so many people. We are thinking of her loved ones during this difficult time."
- Joseph Gamp
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer, where a cure would be readily available and the disease would no longer be a killer.
- Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
Lorraine Kelly overcome with emotion as she hosts tribute
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly became emotional as she hosted a tribute to Dame Deborah James on her ITV show.
Wearing a pink jacket, a nod to Dame Deborah's favourite colour, and a t-shirt with the words "Rebellious Hope" on it, which had became Dame Deborah's slogan, Kelly held back tears as she spoke to Steve Bland.
Dame Deborah co-hosted the You, Me And The Big C podcast with Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.
Bland died in September 2018 aged 40 after treatment for breast cancer, and her widower Steve became a regular on the show.
He told Lorraine that Dame Deborah had "done so much, we're so proud of her".
- Joseph Gamp
Kate & William pays respects to Deborah
William and Kate have paid tribute to Dame Deborah James following "the heartbreaking news" of her death,
In a personal signed message on Twitter, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: "We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.
"Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.
"Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on. W & C"
- Joseph Gamp
Donate to Deborah's BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer, where a cure would be readily available and the disease would no longer be a killer.
- Donate here to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund
Angela Rayner pays emotional tribute to BowelBabe
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner tweeted: "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."
Deborah left a 'tremendous legacy' says Bowel Cancer UK chief
Dame Deborah James leaves a "tremendous legacy", according to Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK.
Ms Edwards told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "She never stopped raising awareness. Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about often and don't really … they find it a little bit embarrassing.
"She's stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it."
Teresa Whitfield, who was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer after seeing Dame Deborah talking about symptoms on TV, told the programme that Dame Deborah saved her life.
Asked what she would say to Dame Deborah's family, Ms Whitfield, now cancer free, said: "I think I actually have only one word which is thank-you.
"Without her, I don't think I would be here today. Her campaigning is critical and we, as bowel cancer patients, as bowel cancer survivors, and as anybody who thinks they might have bowel cancer, we have to carry on with the legacy that she has.
"We have to carry on campaigning to raise awareness."
Sajid Javid says Deborah 'leaves behind an incredible legacy'
Sajid Javid has said Dame Deborah "leaves behind an incredible legacy".
The health secretary tweeted: "RIP Dame Deborah. Her exceptional campaign to help those living with cancer won the whole nation's admiration, and started important conversations about living with the 'big C'.
"She leaves behind an incredible legacy, and my thoughts are with her loved ones."
Deborah found comfort in cooking
One of her greatest sources of comfort was cooking – and as with everything she did Alistair was there to support her.
“I find cooking really therapeutic at the moment, not that I ever actually eat the food,” Debs joked in her exclusive interview with The Sun's Lizzie Parry.
“I am painfully slow at everything, but Dad just patiently helps. The other night cooking fajitas took about an hour and a half, when it should’ve taken 30 minutes.
“Rather than just try and do it for me, he passed me the different ingredients and let me do my thing.
“It sounds like a small thing, but it means the world – and I love doing it with him.”
- Joseph Gamp
Tributes continue to pour in for Deborah
Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins, BBC radio presenter Chris Stark and TV host Gaby Roslin were also among those paying tribute.
Stark tweeted: "Dame Deborah James.
"You inspired so many and did everything to the fullest. No one can do more than that. I hope we can have a gin wherever this all leads.
"Thinking of your family and friends and everyone that is going through similar. Rest in Peace Debs x"
- Jennifer Korn
'My dad is my unsung hero'
“My dad is my unsung hero, more so than ever. He’s quietly there behind the scenes, making sure I am OK," Deborah said in an exclusive interview with The Sun's Lizzie Parry.
“He’s always been a very calming, loving presence in my life — he’s very good at handling me and all my craziness. His patience knows no bounds.”
If ever she got in trouble with her Dad, Debs reveals she knew “sh*t was bad”.
She says: “It didn’t matter how naughty I’d been, he knew how to handle me.
“When I ruined the bathroom when I dyed my hair, he took it all in his stride.
“Even at the age of 40, he was the man I called if I broke down.
“He would walk to me with a can of petrol when I ran out and needed to be rescued.
“My whole life, he has just been standing behind me, quietly holding me up.”
- Jennifer Korn
Photo: Deborah and her mother last week
Deborah and her mum were photographed enjoying a drink in the sunshine last week.
On Instagram, Deborah said: "A lovely relaxing lunch in the sunshine."
Deborah and her mum enjoyed a drink in the sunshine last weekCredit: Instagram - Jennifer Korn
Deborah and her mother spent her last few days together
Just days ago, Heather congratulated her daughter Deborah after Tesco made a huge change to its loo roll in a bid to save millions.
The supermarket will print the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer on its toilet paper packs after The Sun writer launched a campaign.
Heather shared an image of the new campaign from Tesco, writing: "Well done Deborah and a big thank you to @tescofood for your support and £300,000 donation to the @bowelbabefund".
Last week, the mother and daughter enjoyed a pint in the sunshine in front of the canal at a country pub in Woking.
Posting to Instagram, Deborah said: "A lovely relaxing lunch in the sunshine."
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