Deborah James was flooded with messages of support from celebrity friends and followers after announcing her departure from social media following her devastating prognosis.
The writer and podcaster was first diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016, and after years of procedures and treatments, she announced this week that her body 'just can’t continue anymore.'
After documenting the entirety of her cancer journey on both her social media and her BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, Deborah has announced that she's putting it all to bed as she moves to hospice at home care.
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After bidding farewell to the friends and followers who have supported her through her cancer journey over the years, Deborah encouraged people to donate to her Bowel Babe fund, which would 'raise awareness and money for the charities that are closest to me,' including Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Concluding her final-ever post to Instagram, she shared that her remaining time would be spent 'taking it a day at a time, step by step and being grateful for another sunrise'.
"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."
Immediately, Deborah's final post was filled with comments from fans and celebrity friends who had followed her along on her journey and were touched by her words.
Should I Delete That podcaster Emily Clarkson wrote: "Love you Deb thank you for being a phenomenal friend and relentless inspiration. You will be with us all forever. We adore you."
Writer and activist Katie Piper commented: "You changed so many peoples lives, you’ve spread so much joy and kindness. An ever lasting impact."
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid added: "You are the most incredible person. Sending my love to you and your family. The fundraising will mean lasting change for others going through what you have borne with such strength and optimism. Outcomes will be different. Donating now. "
2016 Bake Off winner Candice Brown penned: "I will raise a glass to you. Sending my love and all I can to you and your loves."
Former TOWIE star Kate Ferdinand posted: "Oh. sending you so much love! Enjoy these precious moments with your family. You are extraordinary & have helped so many people ….. what a gift you are."
Presenter Lorraine Kelly shared: "You are simply incredible. I’m honoured to know you and thank you for allowing us to help your life saving campaigning. Love you so so much."
Davina McCall commented: "Love you x thinking of all of you right now…"
Singer Sophie Ellis Bextor said: "You’re such an amazing woman, Deborah. What a trail you blaze. What a legacy you leave. What love surrounds you. Xxx"
And author Caroline Hirons wrote: "Oh Debs. I’m lost for words. Sending so much love to you all."
For more information and advice on bowel cancer, visit Bowel Cancer UK.
You can donate to the Bowel Babe fund here.
Ali Condon