Your generosity will help people live longer with cancer, says Deborah James in fund update
DEBORAH James has revealed her BowelBabe fund is now sitting at more than £7.5million.
Enthusiastic supporters have tipped the fund to over £6.3million, with gift aid rocketing it to even higher heights.
The mum-of-two said this afternoon: "Thank you so much for your generosity to the @bowelbabefund.
"With gift aid the fund will now be able to give out over £7.5million so far to fund cutting edge personalised projects across @cr_uk @royalmarsden and @bowelcanceruk to ensure more people live longer with cancer."
Deborah, who has been living with bowel cancer since 2016, launched the fund on the same day she revealed she was stopping active care.
The Sun writer moved out of hospital and into her parents' home on May 9, to spend her final days with family there.
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund
Read more on Deborah James
She explained she didn't want her children to associate her London family home with her death.
After setting up the fund, Deborah was made a Dame in the back garden by Prince William.
She was given the honour after raising millions in a matter of days, with the Sun leading the calls for her to be Dame Debs.
The Royal is understood to have cleared his diary especially, to make sure he gave the 40-year-old the gong himself.
Most read in Health
Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and No 10 pulled out all the stops to honour the mum-of-two who has written about her treatment and life since being diagnosed.
Hero cancer campaigner Deborah told of her shock at being made a Dame saying: “OMFG, this is crazy.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m blown away and feel incredibly honoured.
“I don’t feel like I deserve this. I can’t tell you what this means to my family, it’s so much to take in.”
Today she also posted about letters addressed to "Deborah James, somewhere in Woking" somehow making their way to her.
She revealed a snap of a collection of envelopes, all with varied attempts to describe her location at her parents' home, on Instagram.
The Sun writer was clearly both deeply touched and amused at the effort people, and the post service, had gone to to reach her.
What are the symptoms to look for? Remember "BOWEL"
- : B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it's important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It's important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It's especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you're not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don't be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you've lost weight and don't really know why, it's worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body - anaemia. If you develop anaemia you're likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It's most likely you'll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn't go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep.
The mum-of-two, 40, wrote: "I think my parents have the best Royal Mail services ever!
"The attempted addressed letters are giving us life!
"How on earth they are getting here is a little miracle!"
It comes after she praised her "wonderful" army of supporters, as her book quickly rocketed to the top of the charts.
Mum Deborah, who is on end-of-life care, revealed on Tuesday night the publishing date has been brought forward because she’s got “a few things to share” before she dies.
Deborah shared her excitement on Instagram, but told fans she is “gutted” that she’ll likely miss seeing the book in shops.
Three pounds from each book will be donated to the .
Read More on The Sun
Last Monday, she shared a heartbreaking Instagram post saying she was now receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, because the heroic efforts of her team of medics at The Royal Marsden Hospital in South West London were now fruitless.
She said her body “simply isn’t playing ball”, adding: “My body is so emaciated that I have no choice but to surrender to the inevitable.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours