My lucky streak continues as I defied the odds to make it to Ascot – and won, says Deborah James
DAME Deborah James says she feels like her ‘lucky streak continues’ after she defied the odds to make it to Royal Ascot yesterday.
The Sun writer stunned in a polka dot dress and was accompanied by her brother Benjamin James and his fiancé Ashley Hall.
The 40-year-old mum-of two beamed at the camera as she enjoyed the event in Berkshire.
She told The Sun: “It was very impromptu, but it was such a lovely day.
“I tend to go to Ascot every year with my girlfriends, so to get to go this year feels really special.
“I didn’t expect to make it.”
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Campaigner and podcaster Debs was also pictured with classically-trained singer, Natalie Rushdie and even posed for a snap with Eamon Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
Debs is currently confined to a wheelchair and said: "Given the fact I’m lucky to still be here, I thought I’d have a bet,” she added.
“What have I got to lose?
“I won three out of the four races I bet on, I made my money back and maybe covered the petrol home. It looks like my lucky streak continues.”
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Deborah, who has kids Eloise, 12 and Hugo, 14, with husband Seb, was made a Dame in a day last month after The Sun mounted a campaign to honour our columnist.
Debs was delighted when Prince William visited the family at her parent’s home in Woking, to present her Damehood in person.
“Sadly I didn’t get to see any of my new Royal pals at Ascot,” Debs joked.
“I was lucky enough that the team organising it all made sure I had a calm and sheltered area to enjoy it all.
“It was lovely to see a few familiar faces, and friends too. I treated myself to a strong margarita too.”
But she added: “I’m exhausted again now. I’m off home to sleep and watch Sherwood.”
Over the weekend, Debs' fund reached £6.7million.
Just trying to find the diamond moments in the rough - but when you look hard enough you realise they can still be there
Deborah James
Money from the fund will go towards helping Cancer Research UK, the Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK - in order to support research into 'giving more Deborah's more time'.
Deborah previously said that British season is her favourite, with her In The Style collection even featuring outfits made for events like Wimbledon.
The Dame enjoyed another one of her favourite days out and recently attended Glyndebourne opera house.
Debs and her husband Sebastien Bowen got dressed up to the nines to watch La bohème at the venue in East Sussex on Saturday.
Opera-lover Debs explained she was "trying to see a few of her favourites one last time" as she receives end of life care for her bowel cancer.
Determined to enjoy the summer, Debs has been sitting in the sunshine and also made it to dinner at Beaverbrook country estate, Surrey on Friday.
The Sun writer has been living at her parents' home in Woking after being moved to palliative care last month.
It's from there that she has posted numerous updates, with many being in the stunning garden.
And to make the most of that, she has been indulging in classic cocktails with her family and friends.
Posting to Instagram on Tuesday night, Debs revealed her 'sundowner treat of choice'.
"Sex on the beach. Maybe I should just call this working my way through all old school cocktails day-by-day before I'm gone," she said.
- To pre-order Deborah’s book visit
- Her t-shirt is available through in sizes 6-28
- The Dame Deborah James rose, Bare Root, is available at
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - 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
In the photo, there are bottles of Arches and Smirnoff vodka displayed next to the delicious tipples.
added: "Yes that is Archers! And yes I did grow up as archers and lemonade being a stable college social drink."
Debs recently said she was feeling grateful to be able to enjoy moments of sunshine on her face and food that makes her smile.
"Just trying to find the diamond moments in the rough - but when you look hard enough you realise they can still be there," she added.
Some of those special moments have been realised through her collaboration with In The Style.
Founder of the company Adam Frisby said he was 'so proud' to have been able to work with Debs on her fashion collection and t-shirts - which have raised close to £1million.
He added: "Having the privilege of working with someone like Debs and seeing how happy this has made her in such incredibly difficult circumstances makes all the hard work so worthwhile.
"Ultimately though, we wouldn't have raised anything if it wasn't for you guys supporting us, so I thank you so much for that."
Deborah yesterday revealed her next fundraising venture with In The Style would be a limited edition run of tops for men.
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She said: "Anyone interested in a 'men's' or whoever wants to wear it version - navy and white - very limited edition.
"Last colour offering I promise! I just want to get to £1million."
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