Hundreds of Sun readers pay tribute to ‘our inspiration’ Dame Deborah James
JUST a day after the death of Dame Deborah James, hundreds of readers have paid tribute.
Debs made an impact on so many people, which led The Sun to launch an online book of condolence.
Emma E: “Deborah, if I hadn’t read your column in lockdown, I’d never have gone to the doctor and found out I had bowel cancer.
“Thank you for everything you have done, without you I might not still be here for my children.
“You have shown you can have cancer, yet look glamorous, and that you can die with style, still enjoying moments with your precious family.”
Jeanette Mclellan wrote: “Thank you Dame Deborah for letting us into your life at such a hard time and for encouraging us to live our best lives, even though we could never be as brave or beautiful as you.”
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Lorna Bryant: “I’m in the early stages of being looked into after years of ignoring due to embarrassment, and thanks to you, if anything is caught, you helped do that, possibly saving my life with your bravery and courage.
“You are a true saint. Everything you have left as a legacy to your family, a true inspiration, rest in peace now beautiful angel. You are my hero.”
Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund.
Catherine Phillips: “You were truly a ray of hope for me after my daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at the age of 37 in 2018 with a prognosis of 18 to 24 months.
“She celebrated her 41st birthday in March, something she never expected to see.
“Reading how well you were doing gave me hope for my daughter, that she would be around for her children for longer than doctors thought.
“I am truly grateful I found your column and am in awe of the way you fought cancer head on, as well as your incredible fundraising. You are inspirational.”
Louise Rogers: “What an inspiration and what a legacy your husband and children have been left.
“As a child of a mother who had a bowel issue and nearly died from this, more awareness always needed to be done and you have surely done that.
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“Your legacy will carry on for years to come and your family will reap the rewards of all the courageous work you continued to do even in the final days.”
Lorna G: “Thank you for allowing me to follow your journey on Instagram for the last three years.
“You helped me to be more positive, you've helped me to become a stronger person but most of all your last words of "find a life you enjoy" may well have just saved my life too.
“I intend to live everyday like it's my last, I will dance in the rain for you.”
Liz Wilson: “Deb my sister died of breast cancer in Dec 2016 just as you were being diagnosed. Somehow that made your plight resonate all the more with me.
“She was a brave beautiful dark haired lady just like you strong and passionate
“I really hope there is an afterlife as I think sometimes pure souls like yourself and my sister are almost too good for this world.
“Have no doubt your legacy will live on for generations to come and all your hard work will live in xx”
Andrea Jefford: “Your courage and inspiration has led the way for those already fighting this cruel disease and those that will sadly be diagnosed with it in the future to have strength & belief.
“My husband and I are now at a similar stage but we'll wear our T-shirts with pride. Be at peace knowing you couldn't have done any more.”
Lindsey Hartley: “My husband has stage 4 bowel cancer, and you have been an inspiration to so many going through the same.
“I’m sure that many lives have been saved due to your blogs.
"You truly are a remarkable lady and your family must be so proud of how you continued through life whilst going through such a horrible illness. I thank you.”
Geraldine Mogridge: “An amazing lady who has left a legacy of fun, courage and tenacity for us all.
"Your family can be forever proud and one day they will smile as they remember you and hold all memories close to their hearts.
“You have worked tirelessly for a better, cancer-free world for your children and everyone that comes after you.
"A seismic achievement!”
Joan Williamson: “Dance among the clouds with the angels, Dame Deborah.”
Philip Alan Edwards: “I’m going through chemo and you give everyone the inspiration to fight and carry on with life.”
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Rebecca Carter: “I lost my dad after a four-month fight against bowel cancer and we had all the same conversations with our family as you did.
"I am so sorry you lost your life so early but you will no doubt change the lives of many.”
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