‘Check your poo – it could save your life’: Deborah James’ final message as supporters pay homage | UK News
Tributes are overwhelming for podcaster and “inspirational” cancer campaigner Deborah James, who passed away “serenely” on Tuesday.
The former vice-principal, 40, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and has campaigned aggressively to raise awareness of the condition on social media, through charities and the You, The BBC’s Me and The Big C.
The James family, figures in entertainment, politics and more paid tribute to the podcaster.
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Deborah James dies aged 40
A statement posted by her family on her Instagram account said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by family.
It adds one final message from Deborah, which says, “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always have rebellious hope. , check your poo – it could save your life.”
James’ mother Heather said her heart was “broken” after her daughter’s death and wrote: “My heart is broken. Love you forever.”
‘Your incredible spirit will live forever’
Carol Vorderman also paid tribute to Dame Deborah James, tweeting “your incredible spirit will live forever.”
James revealed in early May that she had stopped intensive treatment and was receiving hospice care at her parents’ home in Woking, with her husband Sebastien and their two children.
Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including a video of her dancing her way through treatment, have won critical acclaim from the public as well as the media. pine.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said because of James “many lives would be saved, while Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer described her charity work as “really inspiring”.
In a statement, BBC director general, Tim Davie, said: “This is extremely sad news. Mrs. Deborah James is a true inspiration.
“We are so proud to be working with her at the BBC. The way she talks about and copes with her cancer has driven the country, inspired change and certainly saved it. many people.”
James is a patron of Bowel Cancer UK and the charity’s chief executive, Genevieve Edwards said the former principal brings “warmth, energy and honesty to everything she does”, and time added that she is “a great patron of Bowel Cancer UK and leaves a wonderful legacy through her BowelBabe foundation”.
Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We are grateful for all of her generous support over the years and her dedication to standing with those living with cancer.”
BBC radio presenter Chris Stark tweeted: “I hope we can have gin wherever this all leads.
“Think of your family, your friends and everyone going through the same things. Rest in peace in Peace Debs x”.
While broadcaster Katie Piper posted a green heart, adding “we will never forget you”.
James founded a fund called the Bowelbabe Foundation, which raises money for personalized drug research for cancer patients.
In her final weeks, Dame Deborah has raised more than £6.7 million for research through her BowelBabe foundation and has been honored for her “tireless” work in raising awareness. about this disease.
