Campaigner and writer Dame Deborah James, AKA Bowel Babe, has passed away aged 40 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. She leaves behind her husband Sebastien and her children Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.
Deborah's family shared the devastating news via an Instagram statement:
"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.
"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
“(Shared with Deborah’s permission)”.
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Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016, and spent the last five years of her life documenting her journey and spearheading campaigns to help people better understand the signs of the condition and seek help early on. Those who have followed her journey online, as she battled through chemo appointments, took on fitness challenges to raise money and shared day-to-day updates from life with her husband and two children, will know only too well how the ex-school teacher refused to let her diagnosis dictate her life.
In May 2022 however, we were devastated to read Deborah's latest update. Posting a photo of herself to Instagram, she announced that she has been moved to hospice at home care, and wasn't sure how long she had left.
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“The message I never wanted to write. We have tried everything, but my body simply isn’t playing ball. My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them,” she wrote. “Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not able to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we have left no stone unturned. But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore.”
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Deborah announced that she had started a legacy foundation, the BowelBabe Fund, to “raise awareness and money for the charities that are closest to [her],” including Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK, and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Encouraging her followers to consider donating to the fund, she wrote: "All I ask if you ever read a column, followed my Instagram, listened to the podcast or saw me dressed as a poo for no reason. Please buy me a drink to see me out this world, by donating the cost to @bowelbabefund which will enable us to raise funds for further life saving research into cancer. To give more Deborah’s more time!"
She finished the Instagram message by saying she would be spending her remaining time “taking it a day at a time, step by step and being grateful for another sunrise,” adding, “you are all incredible, thank you for your part in my journey. No regrets. Enjoy life x.”
I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I know my body, and I knew something was very wrong.
At the time of writing, the Bowel Babe Fund has reached a staggering £6.8 million donations. If you want to donate, you can do so here.
The money raised will be going to Cancer Research UK, helping to fund clinical trials and research into personalised medicine for cancer patients and supporting campaigns to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
We are thinking of Deborah's family at this incredibly heartbreaking time – but also of her remarkable legacy, and the countless lives she has changed.
For more information and advice on bowel cancer, visit Bowel Cancer UK.
