Author, podcaster, and cancer campaigner Deborah James has issued a final goodbye to her friends and followers online, announcing that she has been moved to hospice at home care for her bowel cancer.
Deborah was first diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016, and had been keeping people up to date on her journey through her Instagram account 'Bowel Babe'.
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But after a particularly difficult few months, Deborah shared: "my body just can't continue anymore."
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In her final farewell to Instagram, she wrote: "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.
"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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She went on to admit that, despite having previously written posts about experiencing her final Christmas, not making it to her 40th birthday, and never getting to see her children go to secondary school, she 'never envisaged writing one where I would actually say goodbye.'
She continued: "But I don’t think anyone can say the last 6 months has exactly been kind! It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will."
Deborah announced that, in her absence, she would leave a link to the fundraiser she had created to 'raise awareness and money for the charities that are closest to me,' including Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK, and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Encouraging her followers to consider donating to the 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 life saving research into cancer. To give more Deborah’s more time!"
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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.'
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"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 comment section was flooded with messages of love and support from fans, family, and famous friends.
Writer and activist Katie Piper wrote: "You changed so many peoples lives, you’ve spread so much joy and kindness. An ever lasting impact "
Singer and presenter Rochelle Humes commented: "Sending you so much love and light, you’re an absolute warrior."
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Presenter Davina McCall added: "Love you x thinking of all of you right now …"
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McFly drummer Harry Judd posted: "Heartbreaking to read. You are an incredibly special human. What an inspiration you are to so many. The support you’ve provided to others and awareness you have raised is almost unbelievable."
Singer Sophie Ellis Bextor penned: "You’re such an amazing woman, Deborah. What a trail you blaze. What a legacy you leave. What love surrounds you. Xxx"
For more information and advice on bowel cancer, visit Bowel Cancer UK.
You can donate to the Bowel Babe fund here.
Featured Image Credit: @bowelbabe/Instagram