Thousands of tributes have been paid to Dame Deborah James following her death yesterday (June 28). The 40-year-old had been battling bowel cancer since 2016 and chronicled her treatment and impact it had on her life through podcasts, TV shows and books.
In a statement posted on Instagram last night, Dame Deborah's family said: "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."
Read more: Bowel cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James has died, family announces
News of Dame Deborah's death has sparked a flood of tributes to be paid to her. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called her an "inspiration".
He said: "I’m terribly saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James has died. What an inspiration she was to so many.
"The awareness she brought to bowel cancer and the research her campaigning has funded will be her enduring legacy. Because of her, many many lives will be saved."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Dame Deborah, who is survived by her husband Sebastien and two children. Sir Keir tweeted: "Deeply sad news. Dame Deborah James’ charity work was truly inspirational — even in the most challenging moments, she continued to raise awareness about bowel cancer and impacted so many people’s lives. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."
Others who have paid tribute to Dame Deborah include TV presenter Stacey Solomon, who said: "Thank you for everything you done Deborah. What an incredible legacy you’ve left. Rest in peace Deborah."
BBC journalist and TV presenter George Alagiah, who is battling advanced bowel cancer himself called Dame Deborah a "beacon, lighting the way for us all of us". He said: "Knowing that @bowelbabe Dame Deborah James was nearing the end of her journey here does not make her passing any easier to accept.
"She was a beacon, lighting the way for all of us #livingwithcancer. Thank you for your example. Deborah, rest in peace now."
Charity bosses also praised the work she did in raising awareness of cancer. Genevieve Edwards, Bowel Cancer UK's chief executive, said Dame Deborah leaves behind a "tremendous legacy".
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "She never stopped raising awareness. Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about often and don’t really … they find it a little bit embarrassing. She’s stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it."
BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, who recently revealed she has been given the all-clear after a cancer battle, posted on Instagram: "My heart hurts. Thank you for everything Deborah.
"Thank you for being so strong for so long and helping others when you were in so much pain yourself. You are the best of us.
"Thinking of your family and friends and I am forever grateful to you for helping me and my family. Rebellious hope forever."
TV presenter Davina McCall was another person to pay tribute to Dame Deborah. Responding to the Instagram post on Bowelbabe confirming Dame Deborah's death, Davina wrote: "Oh Deborah … thank you thank you for everything you have done … leaving such a huge legacy … thank you for having such a positive impact on so many of us.
"Thank you for making us look and re examine our lives and for educating us all. Thank you for raising all of that money for others … you were a total firecracker… you will be so so missed. RIP x and so much love to your family and your beautiful kids."
Meanwhile, double Olympic swimming gold medallist Becky Adlington posted: "Rest in peace. Thoughts are with all your family and friends x."
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