Dame Deborah James has been awarded a posthumous honorary degree for her work in the fight against cancer with her dad paying a poignant tribute as he accepted the award on her behalf.
'Bowel Babe' star Deborah was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the Institute of Cancer Research, which her dad Alistair accepted on Deborah's behalf.
Speaking at the ceremony — which was also attended by Deborah's mum Heather, brother Benjamin and sister Sarah — Alistair praised his daughter.
Alistair said: "When Deborah was invited to accept today’s degree she was honoured and proud. But this was mixed with a sense of sadness as she realised it was one of the first entries in her diary that she was unlikely to fulfil.
"However, in recognition of what this award meant to her, Deborah was clear in her wishes that her family should be here today on her behalf and to give thanks to the institute and staff for its work and the honour bestowed upon her."
Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, Deborah's co-hosts of the You Me and the Big C podcast, also received awards.
The pair were awarded for their 'outstanding contribution to raising awareness of living with cancer and the importance of cancer research'.
Steve, who's wife Rachael Bland died from breast cancer in 2018, admitted the moment was "bitter sweet".
Sharing pictures of the ceremony on Instagram, Steve wrote: "Of course it was bittersweet because Deb wasn’t there to collect the award that she was so excited about."
He added: "Can’t tell you how humbling and overwhelming it was to be on the stage watching all the graduates get their degrees and hearing about all the incredible work they’re doing and are going to do.
"It’s so exciting to see so many amazing, passionate young people who want to create a better future for people with cancer."
Deborah died on June 28 at the age of 40 while surrounded by her family, following a five-year battle with bowel cancer.
Ever since her diagnosis, the author used her social media page, Bowelbabe, to raise awareness of the disease and even raise money for charity.
Last month, Deborah reached number one with her posthumously published book, How To Live When You Could Be Dead.
The book explores her life living with incurable bowel cancer and how developing a positive mindset was key to helping her cope with the diagnosis.
For every copy sold in the UK, £3 will go to Dame Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, which has so far raised £7.5 million through its online fundraiser.
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