Dame Deborah James family’s heartbreaking Instagram statement

• Dame Deborah James has lost her battle with cancer at the age of 40.
• She started the Bowelbabe fundraising page to support Cancer Research UK.
• After she passed away, it surpassed £6.77 million in donations.

Dame Deborah James has lost her battle with cancer at the age of 40, her family have announced on Instagram.

The mother of two, who started the Bowelbabe fundraising page to support Cancer Research UK, was 35 years old when she received the stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.

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After the fundraising was started, she raised millions of dollars, and after she passed away, it surpassed £6.77 million.

A statement announcing her passing included a picture of the BBC podcaster and a clip of Deborah dancing as the sun sank.

The statement on Instagram read: “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.”

Also given by the family was a special note from Deborah.

The statement concluded: “And a few final things from Deborah…’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.’ x”

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The adored celebrity, who remained upbeat throughout her struggle with cancer, opened up about her stage 4 cancer on social media in May and said that she no longer knew how long she had left.

Deborah, the creator of the well-known BBC podcast “You, Me, and the Big C,” admitted that even after five years of fighting her sickness, it was still difficult to accept and say goodbye.