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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Dame Deborah James' funeral takes place today as family say goodbyes to Bowel Babe star

Dame Deborah James' funeral is taking place today as her family lay the star known as Bowelbabe to rest.

After campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness for bowel cancer, Deborah, 40, raised almost £7 million for research and was made a Dame for her efforts.

Close friends and family are expected to attend the private service in memory of the star, who touched so many lives.

The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and subsequently shared candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment.

However, the star revealed in early May she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end of life care at her parents’ home in Woking.

The You, Me and the Big C podcast star lived out her final weeks to the full with her husband Sebastien, and their two children, by her side.

As well as drinking champagne with Prince William at her parents' pad when she was made a Dame, Deborah also rocked up at Ascot and Glyndebourne opera house - looking fabulous.

The star also shared beautiful pics of her and her children Hugo, 14 and Eloise, 12, who were always beaming with pride as they spent time with their superstar mum.

She lived her life to the full until the end (PA)

There were many who thought the campaigner would defy all the odds as the nation followed the presenter's incredible journey.

However, tragically, Deborah's devastated family confirmed her death on June 28.

They shared a heartbreaking message in a touching Instagram post alongside an picture and video of the star.

Their statement read: "Dame Deborah James.

"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.

She always looked fabulous! (Instagram/Dame Deborah James)

"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."

Deborah's enthusiasm and bravery were an inspiration to us all with one of her final legacies inspiring a major change to packs of toilet roll.

From September, an initial 29 million packs of one of the UK’s best-selling loo roll, Andrex Classic Clean, will feature a QR code, which will redirect consumers to Bowel Cancer UK’s symptoms information.

Rest in peace Dame Deborah (Instagram)

Genevieve Edwards, CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We’re thrilled to partner with Andrex to raise vital awareness of bowel cancer symptoms with people all over the country. It’s the UK’s fourth most common cancer, with someone diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes in the UK.

"Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early, but 60 per cent of people are diagnosed at later stages when it is much more difficult to treat. Part of the problem is low awareness of the red flag symptoms of bowel cancer that should prompt people to contact their GP.

"This brilliant partnership will help millions of people across the UK know what to look out for and will undoubtedly save lives."

Thank you Dame Deborah, rest in peace.

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