Dame Deborah James, the director turned podcaster who raised millions of pounds for charity with her campaign to raise awareness about bowel cancer, is dead, her family said.
James, 40, dropped out of his career as an assistant director and began writing about his diagnosis under the name Bowel Babe in 2017. He became a Sun columnist and published a book, Fuck You Cancer : How to Face the Big C, live your life and stay yourself.
She was best known for sharing her six-year battle against terminal bowel cancer on the popular BBC You podcast, Me and the Big C, which she began co-presenting in 2018. Alongside Lauren Mahon and the reader of BBC Radio 5 live news Rachael Bland, James created a show that won praise for his intimate, frank and lively discussion about cancer.
When Bland died of breast cancer six months after the show’s release, James formed a duet of presenters with Mahon, and they talked to famous guests, addressed practical issues like hair loss, and tried to raise awareness with the characteristic good humor. During Bowel Cancer Awareness Week 2018, James tried to destigmatize the condition by wearing a “poop suit”: a poop emoji costume tailored to a six-year-old boy.
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 and mother.
“Deborah died today in peace, surrounded by her family.
“Deborah, whom many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to the charity campaign, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness about the cancer that is going on. touch so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation about cancer. Even in her most difficult times, her determination to raise money and raise awareness was inspiring.”
James frankly detailed his treatments, progress and diagnosis to his big Instagram followers, which rose from 300,000 to 500,000 towards the end of his life.
In a May 10 post, she said she had never expected to reach her 40th birthday or see her children go to high school.
He described how his health had deteriorated over the past six months and said he was no longer receiving active care. He had moved to a hospice at home, where he slept most days and struggled to walk. He said he had left “no stone unturned” in search of treatment, but that even a “new magical breakthrough” would make no difference.
She wrote, “The message I never wanted to write. We’ve tried everything, but my body just doesn’t play ball. My amazing family [are] around me and the goal is to make sure I’m not in pain and spend time with them. ”
After announcing he was receiving end-of-life care, he launched a fundraiser for cancer research, the Bowelbabe Fund, which has so far raised more than £ 6 million on its JustGiving page.
A few days after her release, she was named lady, with Prince William attending her parents ’home to give her the award for her awareness campaigns. A tweet from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s account said: “From time to time, someone captures the heart of the nation with its taste for life and its tenacious desire to return to society. @Bowelbabe is a d ‘these special people.’
James ’second and final book, How To Live When You Could Be Dead, topped Amazon UK’s best-seller list only on pre-orders. The volume of self-help memoirs reached the top of the lists a day after James announced on Instagram that it was possible to reserve a copy. He also launched a clothing line whose proceeds go to his Bowel Babe fundraiser and said his last goodbye in one last tearful appearance to You, Me and the Big C.
As she and her producer wiped away tears during the episode, titled Deborah James’ Last Dance, she thanked the listeners and urged them to watch for signs of bowel cancer, in her characteristic way.
“Thank you guys for everything, for being our partners in the crime in the club of which you never wanted to be a part. I guess this is from me. It’s very sad to say, but I’m glad I got to the point where I can say it and we’ll see each other again somewhere, somehow, dancing. Oh, and also: check your poop. I can’t leave myself with any other word. ”