Dame Deborah James Dies from Bowel Cancer the headteacher turned podcaster who raised millions of pounds for charity with her campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer, has died, her family has said. James, who was 40, stepped away from a career as a deputy headteacher and began blogging about her diagnosis under the name Bowelbabe in 2017. She went on to become a Sun columnist and released a book, F*** You Cancer: How to Face the Big C, Live Your Life and Still Be Yourself.
When Bland died of breast cancer six months after the show’s launch, James formed a presenting duo with Mahon, and they spoke to celebrity guests, tackled practical matters such as hair loss, and attempted to raise awareness with characteristic good humor. During bowel cancer awareness week in 2018, James attempted to destigmatize the condition by dressing up in a “poo suit” – a poo-emoji fancy dress outfit sized for a six-year-old.
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.
A statement posted by her family on Instagram said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy.
The former headteacher, who leaves behind a husband and two teenagers, has put the spotlight on bowel cancer in an unprecedented way, reaching a younger public with her @bowelbabe Instagram account which has over 900,000 followers.
With her story came the realization, for many, that bowel cancer can kill even young and healthy-looking patients if it’s not caught early enough.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Deborah James, who passed away after a brave battle with bowel cancer.
Dame Deborah was an incredible woman who touched the lives of so many people. She was a passionate advocate for bowel cancer awareness and worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for patients.
She will be remembered as a kind and compassionate person who always put others first. Her legacy will live on through the work of the Deborah James Foundation, which is committed to beating bowel cancer.
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Dame Deborah’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Dame Deborah James, the much-loved BBC Radio 2 presenter, has died from bowel cancer. She was just 57 years old.
Deborah was diagnosed with the disease in 2016, and despite undergoing treatment and remaining positive throughout, she sadly lost her battle on Thursday morning.
She leaves behind her husband Steve, and their two children, Chloe and Oliver.
Oliver, who is just 18, paid tribute to his mother on Instagram, writing: “My absolute world. The most incredible, strong, determination-filled human I have ever known.
“You’ve been an inspiration to all of us, and I know that you will continue to be. I love you so much, now and forever.”
Chloe, who is 21, also took to social media to share her grief, writing: “I am so grateful to have had you as my Mum. You were the most amazing, strong, determined woman I have ever known.”
The family has asked for privacy at this difficult time.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Deborah James, who passed away on July 18th after a brave battle with bowel cancer.
Dame Deborah was an inspirational figure, not only in her work as a leading broadcaster and journalist but also in her tireless campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer and to improve the treatment and care available for patients.
She was a passionate advocate for early diagnosis and treatment, and her work helped to save countless lives. Her legacy will live on through the many people she inspired, and who will continue her work in the fight against this terrible disease.
We would like to express our deepest condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.
Dame Deborah James, who was appointed as the first-ever full-time Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in April last year, has died from bowel cancer. She was 61. Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December last year and died in hospital on 30th September. She had been receiving treatment in London but returned to her home in Cardiff to spend her last days with her family. She passed away at the Velindre Hospital in her home city on Thursday.
The Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, has paid tribute to Dame Deborah and described her as a “tireless campaigner for equality and human rights.” He said: “Deborah was a champion of equality and human rights. She was a dedicated public servant whose work gave a voice to people across Wales. Her passing will be felt by many across our nation. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
Cancer that took Deborah’s life is one of the deadliest forms of the disease and doesn’t have a good outlook when diagnosed. Deborah’s advice to those reading this is to pay attention to the symptoms of cancer and not be afraid to reach out to a doctor when you notice something different.
Dame Deborah James, the first openly gay woman to sit in the UK House of Lords, died from bowel cancer at the age of 61, according to the BBC. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015 and was advised that chemotherapy would be too strenuous and would kill her. James decided to refuse treatment and instead chose to focus on her wellbeing. The BBC reports that James died on Friday, December 21st. She had been the Member of Parliament for Mid-Bedfordshire since 2001 and had served in the Royal Airforce from 1976 to 1997, reaching the rank of Squadron Leader. She was the UK’s first openly gay woman in Parliament and was also the first woman to command an RAF Squadron. She was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 and was also awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Her husband and two grown children were with her when she died. In a statement on his website, James’ husband, Kevin Peel, said.