PRINCE William and Kate Middleton have called Dame Deborah James an “inspiring and unshakably brave woman”.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge added they were saddened to learn of her passing and said her legacy will live on.
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Deborah died yesterday at the age of 40. She beat an eight percent chance of living five years after her colon cancer diagnosis in 2016.
Prince William and Kate Middleton tweeted this morning: “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 inspiring and unshakably brave woman whose legacy will live on.”
Last month, she was honored with a Damehood after she captured the nation’s heart with her honest stories about living with the disease.
And Prince William traveled to her parents’ house, where she was staying, to present her with the prize.
He later revealed that he was thrilled to meet the cancer campaigner, adding that it felt like a “very personal family moment”.
Deborah’s heartbroken family revealed that the inspirational Sun columnist died yesterday surrounded by her loved ones — sparking a flurry of tributes.
Boris Johnson said he was “terribly saddened” by the news of Dame Deborah’s passing.
The Prime Minister wrote: “What an inspiration she was to so many.
“The awareness she has brought to colon cancer and the research her campaign has funded will be her lasting legacy. Many lives will be saved thanks to her.”
Sir Keir Starmer praised Deborah’s charitable work in a tribute shared on Twitter.
The Labor leader wrote: “Deeply sad news.
“Dame Deborah James’s charitable work has been truly inspiring – even in the most challenging moments, she continued to raise awareness about colon cancer and impact the lives of so many people.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
Piers Morgan described her as “a truly remarkable and inspiring woman”, adding that it was “such sad news”.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “On behalf of the entire NHS, I would like to extend my condolences to the family and many friends of Deborah James.
“Deborah’s amazing attitude was humble and a lesson to all of us.
“Not only will her fundraising have helped countless other cancer patients, but her determination to raise awareness will undoubtedly have saved many lives.”
And ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins tweeted: “Oh no, heartbreaking news that @bowelbabe has left us. What an inspiration, a truly special person who saved lives and did so much to help others.
THE BRIGHTEST STAR
“It showed that even a terminal diagnosis wouldn’t completely stop her from living. So much love for her family and friends.”
Carol Vorderman paid tribute in a tweet, saying, “Your incredible spirit will live on.”
Alison Hammond added: “What sad news. RIP Lady Deborah James! Condolences to her family.”
- Donate here to raise money for Deborah’s BowelBabe fund
Deputy Labor leader Angela Rayner wrote: “Rest in peace Deborah James. What an incredible, fierce, bright and brilliant woman.
“An absolutely extraordinary campaigner. Thank you for your rebellious hope and the millions you’ve inspired @bowelbabe.
“Think of your many loved ones.”
After learning last month that she would be receiving end-of-life hospice care, Deborah began raising serious money – now totaling over an astounding £6.7 million.
PRIDE OF GREAT BRITAIN
Her legions of fans across the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account tonight.
It reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most wonderful wife, daughter, sister, mom. 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 dedication to charity campaigns, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that has touched so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world raising awareness, breaking down barriers, breaking taboos and changing the conversation about cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and raise awareness was inspiring.
“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy well into the future through the @bowelbabefund
“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.”
True to form, the beloved national treasure had the last word.
She wrote a final letter to supporters before her death. Her words were shared in the Instagram post tonight.
“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love much; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hopes,” she said.
“And finally, check your poo — it could save your life.”
Despite being told she had an eight percent chance of living another five years, Deborah defied the odds stacked against her.
After celebrating her 40th birthday last October – a birthday she never dreamed she would experience – the plucky campaigner marked the five-year milestone a few months later.
Deborah shared every step of her journey with Sun readers in her Things Cancer Made Me Say column and her army of loyal social media followers.
She then hosted the award-winning BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C with fellow cancer patients Rachael Bland, who passed away in September 2018, Lauren Mahon and Rachael’s husband Steve.
In the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis, Deborah changed the conversation about colon cancer, raising vital awareness and breaking taboos.