Boris Johnson has hailed Dame Deborah James as an “inspiration” and said that because of her campaigning work “many, many lives will be saved”.
The podcaster, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, died on Tuesday after spending her final weeks receiving end-of-life care at home with her husband, Sebastien, and their two children.
The Prime Minister was among those paying tribute, and wrote on Twitter: “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 said news of her death was “deeply sad”.
He added: “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.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said she “leaves behind an incredible legacy”.
He tweeted: “RIP Dame Deborah. Her exceptional campaign to help those living with cancer won the whole nation’s admiration, and started important conversations about living with the ‘big C’.
“She leaves behind an incredible legacy, and my thoughts are with her loved ones.”
In her final weeks, Dame Deborah – a presenter of the BBC podcast You, Me And The Big C – raised millions of pounds for research and was made a dame for her “tireless” work improving awareness of the disease.
She revealed in early May that she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking.
A statement posted by her family on Instagram 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.
“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.’”
Her mother Heather, whose handle on Instagram is Bowelgran, shared a series of photos of Dame Deborah and wrote: “My heart is broken. Love you forever.”
Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins, BBC radio presenter Chris Stark and TV host Gaby Roslin were also among those paying tribute.
Stark tweeted: “Dame Deborah James.
“You inspired so many and did everything to the fullest. No one can do more than that. I hope we can have a gin wherever this all leads.
“Thinking of your family and friends and everyone that is going through similar. Rest in Peace Debs x”
The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and subsequently kept her nearly one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments.
Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment, won praise from the public and media alike.
Alongside Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland, she launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast in 2018.
The trio, who were all former or current cancer patients, candidly discussed life with, treatment of and other topics relating to cancer.
Bland died in September that year at the age of 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dame Deborah announced in early May 2022 that she was receiving end-of-life care at home.
“The tweet I never wanted to write,” she said on Twitter.
“The time has come to say goodbye. 5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy.”
After making the announcement, she set up the Bowelbabe Fund, which raised more than £6 million for Cancer Research UK – more than 24 times her original target of £250,000.
A statement from the charity following her death said: “This is such incredibly sad news. Dame Deborah James brought her rebellious hope to everything she did, we will all miss her deeply. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.”
For her efforts, she was made a dame, with Mr Johnson saying: “If ever an honour was richly deserved, this is it.”
Dame Deborah later said she felt “honoured and shocked” to even be considered for the honour.
In another surprise, her damehood was conferred by the the Duke of Cambridge, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne at home.
Damehoods are usually handed out by members of the royal family, including William, at investiture ceremonies which take place at royal palaces including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
She also revealed that she had completed her second book, titled How To Live When You Could Be Dead, due to be published on August 18.
Her first book, F*** You Cancer: How To Face The Big C, Live Your Life And Still Be Yourself, was published in 2018.
