TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James, who has died at the age of 40.
Lorraine said that Deborah "leaves a lasting legacy and has saved countless lives" through her campaigning around bowel cancer.
Dame Deborah teamed up with ITV Lorraine for their 'No Butts' bowel cancer awareness campaign.
"We will remember Dame Deborah as a dear friend of the Lorraine show and as the heart and soul of our bowel cancer campaign No Butts," Lorraine said on Instagram.
"She leaves a lasting legacy and has saved countless lives through all the work she did to break the "poo taboo"."
Lorraine said that Deborah's "spirit, drive and enthusiasm made her a power house as a campaigner" but that "most of all we will miss her laughter and friendship behind the scenes".
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. She will be so sadly missed," she added.
Dame Deborah's death was announced on her 'BowelBabe' Instagram account on Tuesday evening (June 28).
The post 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.
"And a few final things from Deborah…“find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life. x"
The mum leaves behind husband Sebastien and children Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
Many public figures across TV, entertainment and politics and have been responding to her death on social media.
Good Morning Britain star Charlotte Hawkins said: "Oh no…heartbreaking news that @bowelbabe has left us. What an inspiration, a truly special person who saved lives & did so much to help others. Who showed that even a terminal diagnosis wasn’t going to stop her living life to the full. So much love to her family & friends."
Carol Vorderman wrote: "Rest in peace @Bowelbabe. Your incredible spirit will live on."
News reporter Julie Etchingham wrote: "Desperately sad news tonight with the loss of Dame Deborah James @bowelbabe - a lovely light in the world and an astonishing legacy - RIP"
Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP Dame Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe. A truly remarkable and inspiring woman. Such sad news"
Keir Starmer 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."
Boris Johnson 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."
Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, who has also been battling bowel cancer, paid tribute to Deborah for helping others amidst her own battle with the disease.
"My heart hurts," Roberts wrote. " 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."
Presenter Julia Bradbury wrote: "Heartbroken that Dame Deborah James has died. She has been the most incredible ambassador of life & cancer campaigner. My thoughts are with her family & children. Such a huge loss. Your bright light will shine on Deborah."
Deborah was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in December 2016 at the age of 35.
She documented her fight with the diseases on her blog, social media pages and through a podcast - 'You, Me and the Big C'.
On May 9, Deborah announced that she was no longer receiving active care.
"Nobody knows how long I've got left but I'm not able to walk, I'm sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams," she said. "I know we have left no stone unturned. But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can't continue anymore."
She then launched the Bowelbabe fund to raise money for research into personalised medicine for cancer patients. The fundraiser hit the £1m in less than 24 hours, greatly surpassing her initial goal of £250,000. It has now raised more than £6.8m.
