Tribute to Dame Deborah James
Deborah was an absolute inspiration to so many people with cancer, and a passionate supporter of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. We are hugely grateful for her support.
We are extremely saddened to hear the news that Dame Deborah James has died.
Deborah was an absolute inspiration to so many people with cancer, and a passionate supporter of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. We are hugely grateful for her support.
After being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer over five years ago, Deborah’s incredible positivity, straight-talking, sense of humour and ability to put her best dancing foot forward drew an enormous following. She used her experience and platform to break down the barriers around talking about bowel cancer, to fundraise and to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and research in saving lives.
Behind the scenes, Deborah would take the time to chat to other patients on social media and offer her advice and support. For someone who loved to get dressed up and speak publicly, much of what Deborah did for the cancer community was actually quiet, understated, and from the chemo chair or in the middle of the night. She will be hugely missed by everyone in The Royal Marsden.
It was typically selfless of her to spend what precious time she had left fundraising. The national outpouring of love and support for Deborah and her BowelBabe Fund has been absolutely phenomenal. It is overwhelming to see that the fund has already raised over £6.5million for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK, with donations still coming in.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to her family, friends and all those who knew and loved her. Rest in peace.
Make a donation in memory
Deborah and her family have set up the Bowelbabe Fund to support causes and projects that Deborah really cared about, if you would like to make a donation in her memory.