Leave your messages of tribute to Dame Deborah James in our online book of condolence
SUN columnist and bowel cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James died last Tuesday - but she will never be forgotten.
Champion of rebellious hope and always reminding everyone to #checkyourpoo, Debs made a huge impact on so many people - and if you're one of them, you can sign The Sun's online book of condolence.
You can leave your messages to Debs, and your memories of what she meant to you.
In May Deborah was moved to palliative care after she said her body had 'stopped playing ball'.
In a final message published by her family last Tuesday, 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."
The inspirational mum-of-two was tireless in her efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer signs and symptoms.
It was from her parents' home in Woking, Surrey, that the former teacher continued campaigning through her very last days.
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Her BowelBabe fund, which she set up to give 'more Deborah's more time' has now raised more than £7million for cancer charities.
In her last weeks she launched her Rebellious Hope t-shirts and persuaded supermarkets up and down the country to display bowel cancer info on loo roll packaging.
It adds to dozens of accomplishments Debs achieved in the five years since her cancer diagnosis, just before Christmas in 2016.
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Fronting The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign in 2018, Deborah helped put pressure on the Government to change the law, lowering the bowel cancer screening age from 60 to 50.
Debs shared her journey on Instagram 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.
In a statement, her family said: "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."
Tributes have poured in for Deborah, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paying their respects.
In a personal signed message on Twitter, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: "We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.
"Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.
"Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on. W & C."
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK said Deborah left a 'tremendous legacy'.
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She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "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."