It's been almost a month since Dame Deborah James – also known as Bowelbabe – tragically passed away from bowel cancer at the age of 40, and today her close friends and family will gather to remember her as her funeral takes place.
Deborah, who leaves behind two children and a husband, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and took her fans along with her on the journey through social media and her podcast, You, Me and the Big C.
But in early May, the former deputy headteacher revealed that she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care. In the last few months of her life, she set up a fundraiser, which went on to raise over £7 million for Cancer Research. She also went on to become a Dame for her "tireless" work improving awareness of bowel cancer, with the Duke of Cambridge awarding her with the title at her home where they enjoyed a Champagne afternoon tea together.
Just weeks later though, on 28 June, it was announced that Deborah had passed away peacefully with her family by her side. "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," a post shared on Dame Deborah's Instagram account said.
"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," the caption went on. "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."
Adding a final few notes from Deborah herself, the post ended with: "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."
Our thoughts are with all of Deborah's loved ones at this deeply sad time.
If you're in a position to donate to the Bowelbabe fundraiser – which is raising money to fund life-saving clinical trials, research into personalised medicine for cancer patients and support for campaigns to raise awareness of bowel cancer – head here.
Jade Biggs (she/her) is Cosmopolitan UK's Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. She also works on first-person features and investigative long-reads, taking a deep-dive into mental health, celebrity culture and women's rights. Jade has been a journalist and content writer for ten years, and has interviewed leading researchers and doctors, high-profile influencers and fitness experts. She is a cat mum to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter.
