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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Deborah James 'knackered' after Royal Ascot as she thanks dad for 'holding her up'

Deborah James has thanked her dad for 'holding me up' after her appearance at Royal Ascot yesterday.

The 40-year-old BBC podcaster, AKA Bowel Babe, revealed on Instagram this week that she was told by doctors she had just days to live in May - but has vowed to do her best to 'keep on living whilst dying.'

Mum-of-two Deborah has been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and has been documenting her brave battle with her loyal followers since her journey began five years ago.

Deborah managed to attend the races on Thursday, with her brother and his fiancée.

Reflecting on her enjoyment of the glamorous occasion, Deborah admitted she was feeling 'knackered' as she thanked her dad for helping her through.

Deborah James is sadly dying (Instagram)
The podcaster with her dad Alistair (Instagram)

Last night, she took to Instagram to share she has launched a range of Rebellious Hope T-shirts in a bid to raise even more money for the BowelBabe fund.

She posted: "I may be knackered today from Ascot yesterday, but dad is there to hold me up."

Yesterday, Deborah grinned from her wheelchair beside her brother and his new wife-to-be at the races.

"Yesterday was really special as with a lot of effort and help I actually made it to @ascotracecourse once again," she captioned the cheerful images on her BowelBabe Instagram page.

"I honestly have to pinch myself that I’ve been well enough each day to do something like this. Another favourite I’d had in mind and a fab milestone to say 'ain't dead yet!'"

She continued: "Obviously like most haven’t been for a while due to covid, but so nice to be back and thank you to @ascotracecourse for making the whole experience for me and my brother just seamless and achievable for me.

"Memories made, but most importantly I got 3 wins in a row and am still bouncing off the ceiling from them still!!!"

She has thanked her dad for 'holding me up' (Instagram)
Dame Deborah and her brother (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roy)

Despite her joy at being able to enjoy time with her brother, she said: "I find myself living in limbo land, not really knowing what the future holds and for how long.

"It’s a very stressful uncertain place to be because when I was discharge from hospital over a month ago I was given days, maybe a week to live. And I felt like it.

"But as we all know life doesn’t go according to plan, so I’m just grateful for what ever extra time, the powers that be have decided to grant me. So despite the unnerving tears, I look at the sunshine, smile, and think, wow, life is a funny thing isn’t it!! Better enjoy it!

#onedayatatime #royalascot #ascot #aintdeadyet"

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