Journalist Deborah James, 40, host of the BBC’s You, Me and the Big C podcast, died on Tuesday (28) in the United Kingdom. She was receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer at home and raised millions to help others affected by cancer.
The host of the podcast, which discussed the lives of people with cancer, received a ladyship in May in recognition of her fundraiser. A mother of two, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. Her family described her as “amazing” and an “inspiration”.
The family announced the presenter’s death on her Instagram page. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Deborah James, the most incredible wife, daughter, sister, mother. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family,” the post read.
Deborah shared her cancer experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation about cancer. “Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring,” the family said.
On May 10, she made a moving farewell on Instagram to say that she didn’t know how much time she had left after six years of treatment for bowel cancer. “My body just can’t go on anymore,” she said.
“No one knows how much time I have left, but I can’t walk, I’m sleeping most days, and most of the things I took for granted are distant dreams,” she said.
“I know we’re looking for all possibilities. But even with all the innovative cancer treatments in the world or even if there’s a new magical discovery, my body just can’t go on anymore.”
At the time, he launched the Bowelbabe fund — named after her Instagram account — to fund research into personalized medicine for cancer patients and to support bowel cancer awareness campaigns. She has raised over 3 million pounds (over R$20 million) in donations.
Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine (Kate), are among the donors. “Thank you for giving hope to so many living with cancer,” William and Kate wrote in a Twitter message.
The couple said the presenter’s “tireless efforts” to raise awareness of cancer are “inspiring”.
“Every now and then someone captures the nation’s heart with their zest for life and tenacious desire to give back to society. Bowelbabe is one of those special people,” they wrote, referring to Deborah James’ Instagram account.
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
