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Dame Deborah James: Prince William and Kate pay tribute to 'unfalteringly brave woman'

Dame Deborah received a damehood last month which was personally delivered by Prince William
Dame Deborah received a damehood last month which was personally delivered by Prince William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid tribute to Dame Deborah James following "the heartbreaking news" of her death, saying: "Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on."

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"

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 mother-of-two, who captured the hearts of the nation, "passed away peacefully", her family said in a statement.

Dame Deborah, who was known as Bowel Babe, received a damehood last month which was personally delivered by Prince William at her family home in Surrey.

Boris Johnson also hailed Dame Deborah James as an "inspiration" and said that because of her campaigning work "many, many lives will be saved".

The BBC podcast host raised more than £6.75million for cancer after revealing in early May that she was receiving end-of-life care.

Deborah James with her children Hugo and Eloise as they start secondary school
Deborah James with her children Hugo and Eloise as they start secondary school

In a statement on Tuesday night, her family 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."

'Take risks, love deeply, have no regrets'

The statement added: “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. 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.”

Dame Deborah raised more than £6.75 million for charity - PAUL GROVER
Dame Deborah raised more than £6.75 million for charity - PAUL GROVER

She revealed in early May that she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents' home in Woking, with her husband Sebastien and her two children, Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12.

The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and subsequently kept her nearly one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments.

PM leads glowing tributes to 'incredible ambassador of life'

Leading the tributes, Mr Johnson said Dame Deborah will leave an "enduring legacy".

Dame Deborah's mother, Heather James, whose handle on Instagram is Bowelgran, shared a series of photos of her daughter and wrote: “My heart is broken. Love you forever.”

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, where Dame Deborah James was a patron, said the podcaster had turned her diagnosis into "an incredible force for good".

"We are truly grateful to have known Deborah and to call her our friend."

A tweet from Macmillan Cancer Support praised Dame Deborah's "dedication" to standing with people with cancer.

Politicians including Cabinet minister Michelle Donelan also paid tribute.

Ms Donelan tweeted: “RIP Deborah James - a selfless inspiration. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner described Dame Deborah as an "extraordinary campaigner".

She tweeted: "What an incredible, fierce, bright and brilliant woman.

"Thank you for your rebellious hope and the millions you have inspired @bowelbabe."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described Dame Deborah's work as "truly inspirational".

TV presenter Julia Bradbury said Dame Deborah was "the most incredible ambassador of life".

She tweeted: "Your bright light will shine on Deborah."

Tim Davie, the  BBC director-general, said: "We're so proud to have worked with her at the BBC. The way she talked about and faced up to her cancer moved the nation, inspired change and undoubtedly saved lives."

Comedian Mark Watson said Dame Deborah was "a person of unbelievable tenacity who turned the worst possible situation into an opportunity to inspire and educate".

Chris Stark, the BBC radio presenter, said: "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."

Dancing her way through treatment

Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment, won praise from the public and media alike.

Alongside Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland, she launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast in 2018.

The trio, who were all former or current cancer patients, candidly discussed life with, treatment of and other topics relating to cancer.

Bland died in September that year at the age of 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Deborah James pictured last year - Heathcliff O'Malley
Deborah James pictured last year - Heathcliff O'Malley

Dame Deborah announced in early May 2022 that she was receiving end-of-life care at home.

"The tweet I never wanted to write," she said on Twitter.

"The time has come to say goodbye. 5 years to prepare, doesn't make it any easy."

After making the announcement, she set up the Bowelbabe Fund, which raised more than £6 million - more than 24 times her original target of £250,000.

'Honoured and shocked'

For her efforts, she was made a dame, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying: "If ever an honour was richly deserved, this is it."

Dame Deborah later said she felt "honoured and shocked" to even be considered for the honour.

In another surprise, her damehood was conferred by the Duke of Cambridge, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne at home.

Prince William delivers a damehood medal to Deborah James at home
Prince William delivers a damehood medal to Deborah James at home

Damehoods are usually handed out by members of the royal family, including William, at investiture ceremonies which take place at royal palaces including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

She also revealed that she had completed her second book, titled How To Live When You Could Be Dead, due to be published on August 18.

Her first book, F--- You Cancer: How To Face The Big C, Live Your Life And Still Be Yourself, was published in 2018.