Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid was left emotional on Wednesday morning as she paid tribute to late Dame Deborah James, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 40.
The mum-of-two, who launched a fundraising page called Bowelbabe to raise money for Cancer Research UK, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer just before Christmas 2016, when she was aged 35.
Dame Deborah died surrounded by her family on Tuesday, weeks after she confirmed she had stopped active treatment and was receiving palliative care at her parents’ home in Woking.
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna opened Wednesday’s early morning show with an emotional tribute to the You Me And The Big C podcaster, describing her as “absolutely remarkable”.
She said: “Even if you’d never met her, I think everyone felt like they knew Dame Deborah James, who has sadly passed away way too early at the age of 40. A five-year battle, of course, with cancer.
“She was an absolutely remarkable woman, who fought right to the end to raise awareness of the condition.
“Our hearts go out to her children… and her husband Sebastian, and her parents,” Susanna continued.
ITV ’s GP Dr Hilary Jones said Dame Deborah had a “zest for life” as he paid tribute to Deborah, who raised almost £7million in the final weeks of her life.
He said: “She was determined not to let this cancer destroy her.
“She was always putting other people before herself, family first, but also she wanted to campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms to make it clear to people that this wasn’t just a disease for older people.”
Dame Deborah’s death was announced in a statement alongside a beautiful photo of the BBC podcaster and a video of Deborah dancing as the sun sets.
The statement on Instagram 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. 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
"Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible."
