Deborah James latest tributes: Bowelbabe raises MILLIONS as stars say ‘inspirational’ Dame’s work ‘will save many lives’
- Where to buy Deborah James' clothing line
- Who is Deborah James’ husband Sebastien Bowen?
- Does Deborah James' have children?
- Her family's Instagram statement in full
DEBORAH James' BowelBabe fund has raised MILLIONS after the "inspirational" cancer campaigner passed away this week aged 40.
Just Giving has received hundreds of thousands of donations from the public to raise awareness of bowel cancer and raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The Dame was diagnosed with stage 4 just days before in 2016.
In a final message published by her family, Dame Deborah said: "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."
Since her diagnosis, the mum-of-two has shared her journey on and with Sun readers in her column Things Cancer Made Me Say.
She went on to present the award-winning BBC podcast with fellow cancer patients Rachael Bland, who passed away in September 2018, Lauren Mahon and Rachael’s husband Steve.
Deborah is survived by her and husband, Sebastien.
Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund.
Read our Deborah James blog for the latest news and updates…
'Dame Deborah James saved my life'
DAME Deborah James was an inspiration to millions of people.
Through her tireless bowel cancer campaigning, the Sun writer was on a mission to make everyone aware of the signs and symptoms.
Now one woman has revealed how Debs saved her life, after she saw the mum-of-two on TV talking about the red flags of the illness.
Teresa Whitfield was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, and credits Debs for being the reason she is still alive today.
Early diagnosis is key when it comes to cancer, as this gives patients the best shot at receiving treatment.
Ms Whitfield is now cancer-free and was today asked what she would say to Deborah's family following the tragic news of her death.
"I think I actually have only one word which is thank-you.
"Without her, I don't think I would be here today. Her campaigning is critical and we, as bowel cancer patients, as bowel cancer survivors, and as anybody who thinks they might have bowel cancer, we have to carry on with the legacy that she has.
"We have to carry on campaigning to raise awareness," she told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.
Leave your messages of tribute to Dame Deborah James in our online book of condolence
SUN writer Dame Deborah James has died at the age of 40, her family revealed last night.
Debs meant so much to so many, and you can now leave your messages of tribute in our online book of condolence.
The inspirational campaigner was tireless in her efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer signs and symptoms.
Last month Deborah was moved to palliative care after she said her body had 'stopped playing ball'.
It was from her parents' home in Woking, Surrey, that the mum-of-two continued to raise awareness.
In her final weeks she raised over £6.8million for the BowelBabe fund, which she set up to give 'more Deborah's more time'.
Follow the link here where you can leave your message.
'Tremendous legacy'
Deborah manged to get supermarkets up and down the country to display information about cancer on loo roll packaging.
The chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, Genevieve Edwards, said Deborah leaves a 'tremendous legacy'.
"She never stopped raising awareness. Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about often and don't really ... they find it a little bit embarrassing.
"She's stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it."
Who is Sebastian Bowen?
Deborah’s husband Sebastien Bowen is a London banker.
He works for Pomona Capital, and before that was a Director at MetLife Investments.
It is understood he attended London’s St Paul’s School and got his master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh.
How Deborah raised awareness
Deborah presented the award-winning BBC podcast with fellow cancer patients Rachael Bland, who passed away in September 2018, Lauren Mahon and Rachael’s husband Steve.
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis, around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her same fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her
'We thank her for all that she has done'
Ian Blackford joined Ms Rayner and Mr Raab in paying tribute to Deborah during PMQs.
The SNP Leader said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this trying time.
"We thank her for all that she has done to raise money."
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer,
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
Boris Johnson's tribute to BowelBabe
Boris Johnson 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 'deeply saddened' by Deborah's passing
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."
Raab pays tribute to Deborah during PMQs
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has paid tribute to Dame Deborah James as a "huge inspiration" during Prime Minister's Questions.
Standing in for Boris Johnson while he attends a Nato summit in Madrid, Mr Raab praised the podcaster and bowel cancer campaigner, who died on Tuesday aged 40, for raising millions for charity and inspiring others during her final months.
He told the Commons: "I know that the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of Dame Deborah James following the news of her death.
"I lost my father at a young age to cancer, I will know first-hand the pain that her family must be feeling, but we also know that Dame Deborah was a huge inspiration to so many and raised millions to help others affected by cancer."
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner offered her condolences, saying: "Can I also share with the Deputy Prime Minister his deepest condolences and his personal experience, as we mourn the loss of Dame Deborah James, who fearlessly campaigned to inspire so many.
"I'm absolutely sure there's no doubt that she saved the lives of many more."
Deborah James latest news
- Tributes flood in for Dame Deborah
- Donations to the BowelBabe Fund near £7million
- Sun readers are invited to leave their own messages of condolence
- Susanna Reid fought back tears on Good Morning Britain as she spoke of the loss of her friend
- Deborah's mum said her "heart is broken" in a deeply moving social media post
Deborah James’s family call for support of Bowelbabe Fund
DAME Deborah James's family have called for Brits to continue supporting her BowelBabe Fund - as the total hits a whopping £7million tonight.
Loved ones say they want to "give more Deborahs" support with the donations. All cash raised will go to Cancer Research UK.
The heroic campaigner died yesterday at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
In a post on the BowelBabeFund Instagram page today, Deborah's family said: "Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer.
"She was a passionate advocate for science and early diagnosis, all whilst going through treatment herself.
"Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring and we’re honoured to be continuing her legacy long into the future through The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK."
Donate to Deborah's BowelBabe Fund as it soars past £7 million
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum - writing a book of the same name - and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer,
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund
Donate to Deborah's BowelBabe Fund as it soars past £7 million
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum - writing a book of the same name - and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer,
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund
Deborah found comfort in cooking
One of her greatest sources of comfort was cooking - and as with everything she did Alistair was there to support her.
“I find cooking really therapeutic at the moment, not that I ever actually eat the food,” Debs joked in her .
“I am painfully slow at everything, but Dad just patiently helps. The other night cooking fajitas took about an hour and a half, when it should’ve taken 30 minutes.
“Rather than just try and do it for me, he passed me the different ingredients and let me do my thing.
“It sounds like a small thing, but it means the world - and I love doing it with him.”
Where to buy Deborah James' clothing
The main collection is set to launch via the InThe Style App very soon.
In the meantime, there is a range of T-shirts in the collection which say "Rebellious Hope" and cost £15.
There's also a navy fitted T-shirt with the slogan in gold leaf for £18.
You can order the collection .
All of the profits from the sale will be paid directly to Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
Deborah James' Just Giving page will soon hit £7 million
The Just Giving page currently sits at a grand total of £6,995,156, and is constantly on the rise.
It has achieved well over the initial target first set out.
The Sun writer launched the fund after being moved to palliative care last month.
Tribute from The Sun’s Head of Health
, Lizzie Parry, Head of Health at The Sun and editor for five-and-a-half years, said: “To put into words the impact Deborah has had is almost impossible.
“I’ve never known anyone with the same passion for life, it was infectious.
“She literally never stopped, there was always a new idea, a fresh way we could capture the imaginations of readers and encourage people to do everything in their power to avoid this horrible disease.
“Deborah has saved, and will go on to save many, many lives as a result of her tireless campaigning.
“A fitting legacy for someone I feel lucky to have been able to call my friend.”
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer,
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
Deborah James’ mum says ‘my heart is broken’
DEBORAH James' devastated mum has said her "heart is broken" as she shared a touching clip of her late daughter dancing.
Tireless campaigner Dame Deborah died yesterday at the age of 40 from bowel cancer, surrounded by her family.
In a heartbreaking Instagram story on her page @bowelgran, her mum Heather wrote "love you forever" beside a clip of Deborah dancing.
She also said "my heart is broken" after the family confirmed Deborah's death in an emotional post on the platform.
Loose Women stars left emotional as they pay special tribute
The Loose Women were overcome with emotion on today's show as they paid tribute to Dame Deborah James.
The inspirational Sun columnist, known as BowelBabe to her legions of Instagram fans, died from bowel cancer aged just 40.
The mum-of-two was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016, at the age of 35.
Speaking about the tragic loss on today’s Loose Women, Jane Moore praised Deborah for being a true "inspiration".
Panellist Gloria Hunniford, who lost her beloved daughter Caron Keating in April 2004 to breast cancer aged just 41, fought back tears as she spoke about Deborah's death.
"I felt really teary when I heard the news, I think we all felt as if we knew her because she was so public," Gloria said.
"I want to say to her family, we are really thinking about you today because I know from my own experience, loads of different kinds of pain and suffering.
"I think you will get great comfort from the fact that so many people will be helped from this vast amount of money she has raised."
What are the 'Rebellious Hope' t-shirts?
The t-shirts were an important part of Debs' final days, and had been emblazoned with her motto 'Rebellious Hope'.
The tops are available in navy, white, pink and black and if you order the official shirts today, they will be dispatched on Monday.
Debs previously said: "Rebellious Hope’ is what has got me through the last few years.
"Seeing all your messages, tags and support has just been the best and I am so grateful that we have been able to do this together!"
The online fashion giant has promised that 100 per cent of the profits from the tee will go towards the , which currently sits at £6.9million.
Warning over fake ‘Rebellious Hope’ Deborah James t-shirts on sale
SHOPPERS are being warned about fake versions of Dame Deborah James’ ‘Rebellious Hope’ t-shirts which are being sold by Amazon, eBay and Etsy.
The t-shirt was designed by Sun columnist and cancer campaigner Debs, who sadly passed away yesterday.
The 40-year-old mum launched the t-shirts with fashion retailer In The Style with 100 per cent of profits going towards her Bowelbabe fund.
However, replica versions have popped up on rival websites.
A copycat version is on sale on Etsy for upto £42, while an eBay seller has listed another for £10.
Dozens of fake t-shirts are also for sale on Amazon, costing upwards of £15 each.
Shoppers who want to buy the version designed by Dame Debs can buy it directly from .
Donate to Deborah’s BowelBabe Fund
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis Deborah changed the conversation around bowel cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking down taboos.
She tirelessly banged the F*** Cancer drum – writing a book of the same name – and vowed to do everything she could to help others avoid her fate.
Her inspiration was the fierce love she had for her children, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
She dreamt of a future where they wouldn’t have to fear cancer,
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
'Dame Deborah James saved my life'
DAME Deborah James was an inspiration to millions of people.
Through her tireless bowel cancer campaigning, the Sun writer was on a mission to make everyone aware of the signs and symptoms.
Now one woman has revealed how Debs saved her life, after she saw the mum-of-two on TV talking about the red flags of the illness.
Teresa Whitfield was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, and credits Debs for being the reason she is still alive today.
Early diagnosis is key when it comes to cancer, as this gives patients the best shot at receiving treatment.
Ms Whitfield is now cancer-free and was today asked what she would say to Deborah's family following the tragic news of her death.
"I think I actually have only one word which is thank-you.
"Without her, I don't think I would be here today. Her campaigning is critical and we, as bowel cancer patients, as bowel cancer survivors, and as anybody who thinks they might have bowel cancer, we have to carry on with the legacy that she has.
"We have to carry on campaigning to raise awareness," she told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.