Dame Deborah James ' funeral took 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 attended 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.
Deborah had previously spoken about openly about her funeral wishes, as she admitted that she wanted a 'tequila filled funeral' which celebrated her life.
The brave star also spoke openly about the final song she wanted played at her funeral while being laid to rest.
As Deborah's loved ones, including her husband Sebastian and two children, Hugo, 14 and Eloise, 12, arrived to say their final goodbye to the inspiring star on Wednesday, they knew they had to fulfil her final wish to play The Blood Brothers' classic track, Tell Me It's Not True.
Some of the heartbreaking lyrics to the song include: "Tell me it's not true. Say it's just a story."
Speaking to The Sunday Times in May, Deborah explained how she wanted to be cremated and have a church service.
Deborah said of her funeral at the time: "It sounds morbid, but I want a sombre funeral in black and white because I think people look good in black and white.
"There’s a big church in Barnes and I’ll leave Seb to decide on the reception, as long as there is tequila.
"Being a teacher, I was thinking about all the different things I could get people to do. I’m thinking of asking people to bring a picture or a funny anecdote, so my family have something to remember."
The late mum also revealed she wanted her funeral to be a day of celebration which her beloved kids could remember forever.
Deborah also shared plans to have a 'nice small bench' placed on the common opposite her family home so her children can have somewhere to 'go and cry'.
"Some people want their ashes scattered in different places; I don’t because I think I would be lonely. I’m the kind of person that wouldn’t mind staying in the top drawer in the kitchen for a while," Deborah told.
Deborah passed away on June 28 surrounded by her family.
At the time, a heartbreaking statement 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."
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.
Thank you Dame Deborah, rest in peace.
