BBC viewers were left heartbroken tonight as they tuned into a documentary about the late Dame Deborah James.
The BBC podcast star tragically passed away earlier this week at the age of 40 after a five year battle with bowel cancer, and even in her last days, she continued to do her best to support others battling the disease.
She also raised over £7million for cancer charities, and the fund has continued to grow since her sad passing, with her having made such an impact on so many people across the UK and the world.
Taking to Twitter, her followers and fans paid tribute to her for being an "incredible inspiration" to everyone.
"Watching #TheLastDance #DeborahJames if you have know someone who’s died from #Cancer or is dying from it. You will know the pain it causes not just to that person but to all the family. I know sadly in both cases. This amazing woman has shown us the most incredible inspiration!" one emotional viewer penned on Twitter.
Another added: "Just watching about #Deborahjames, taken far too soon but did a fabulous job at highlighting that bowel cancer does occur in younger people . Lost my Dad to this horrid disease but at least he reached 70 so was lucky in a way x"
" #DeborahJames is a true life heroine! I hope you're smiling and dancing in heaven. Rest is eternal peace," a third shared, a sa fourth wrote: " #DeborahJames sobbing I can’t stop thinking of her kids Hugo + Eloise I hope they are doing okay @bowelbabe #bowelbabe."
A fifth penned: "Watching #DameDeborahJames #TheLastdance I’m literally crying, what a wonderful, lovely, strong, brave, amazing person she was #RIPDeborahJames #Heartbreaking."
Deborah tragically passed away earlier this week after a battle with bowel cancer.
She fought bravely for five years, and throughout her final weeks, she continued to raise money for cancer research and to support the fight against bowel cancer. Her death was announced by her family in an emotional statement.
It read: "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."
They added: "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."
They also shared some poignant final words from Deborah herself, where they urged people to live life with no regrets.
"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," it read.
