• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Dame Deborah James Dies Aged 40 After Five-Year Cancer Battle

Home> Celebrity

Updated 21:24 28 Jun 2022 GMT+1Published 21:02 28 Jun 2022 GMT+1

breaking

Dame Deborah James Dies Aged 40 After Five-Year Cancer Battle

Our thoughts are with her family.

Ali Condon

Ali Condon

Writer, podcaster, and cancer campaigner Deborah James has sadly passed away at age 40 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Deborah's family confirmed the devastating news today in a 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," the statement read.

Deborah has sadly passed away aged 40.
Instagram/@bowelbabe

Advert

"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.

Advert

"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."

Deborah leaves behind husband Sebastien and children Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.

Deborah was first diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016 and had since been documenting her journey on Instagram under the name 'Bowel Babe'.

Advert

She was also co-host of the hit BBC Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C with Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland (later replaced by her husband Steve when she passed away in 2018), in which all three spoke candidly about their experiences with cancer.

In May 2022, not long after she marked the five-year anniversary of her initial diagnosis, Deborah announced that she had moved to hospice at home care.

After leaving 'no stone unturned' while searching for a treatment that would work, she shared that her 'body simply isn't playing ball'.

Deborah was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016.
Instagram/@bowelbabe

Advert

Deborah told her supporters: "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.

"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."

Before she signed off, Deborah asked her friends, family and followers to consider donating the cost of a drink to her Bowel Babe 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 lifesaving research into cancer. To give more Deborahs more time!"

Advert

Deborah's Bowel Babe Fund raised over £1 million in its first 24 hours.
Instagram/@bowelbabe

Within the first 24 hours of the fundraiser's launch alone, Deborah raised more than £1 million.

Sharing her news on social media, Deborah said: "My whole family are around me and we will dance through this together, sunbathing and laughing (I’ll cry!!) at every possible moment! You are all incredible, thank you for playing your part in my journey. No regrets. Enjoy life x Deborah."

You can donate to the Bowel Babe fund here.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week 

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@bowelbabe

Topics: Celebrity

Ali Condon
Ali Condon

Ali is a journalist for LADbible Group, writing on all things film, music, and entertainment across Tyla, LADbible and UNILAD. You can contact Ali at [email protected].

X

@alicondon

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

13 hours ago
19 hours ago
3 days ago
  • 13 hours ago

    Sports star refused entry at Wimbledon’s royal box after breaking same strict rules as Pippa Middleton

    There are no exceptions!

    Entertainment
  • 13 hours ago

    Robert Irwin forced to apologise after leaving restaurant without paying and fans are all making the same comment

    The beloved wildlife conservationist posted an apology video

    Entertainment
  • 19 hours ago

    Justin Bieber shares four-word message for wife Hailey after heavy scrutiny but some fans are seriously confused

    Fans have speculated there could be trouble in paradise

    Entertainment
  • 3 days ago

    Doctor busts common abortion myths as Lily Allen admits she ‘can’t remember’ how many she’s had

    Lily Allen has caused controversy with her recent confession, but one doctor is keen to dispel rumours around abortions

    Entertainment
  • Actress Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89
  • Harry Potter stars pay heartbreaking tribute to Dame Maggie Smith as actor dies aged 89
  • Pro boxer Georgia O’Connor dies of cancer aged 25 two weeks after marrying ‘love of her life’
  • Linda Nolan, 65, dies 20 years after breast cancer diagnosis