Deborah James has passed away at the age of 40. The presenter and campaigner had spent the last few weeks receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer at home. On Tuesday, in a statement shared to Instagram, her family said: "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 continued: "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." [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXIN1-ob4X/]] "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," the statement continued. "Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible." "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.'" Mother to Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, Deborah was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016. <img class="size-large wp-image-1263160061" src="https://img.vt.co/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-21.57.26-1024x356.png" alt="" width="1024" height="356" />[[imagecaption|| Credit: JustGiving]] The popular host of the BBC podcast <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0608649">You, Me And The Big C</a> had been using her Instagram page (@bowelbabe) as a means to update her over 1 million followers with candid posts about her diagnosis and progress, family life, and treatments. As of this writing, James' <a href="https://justgiving.com/campaign/BowelbabeFund">Bowelbabe Fund with Cancer Research</a> has amassed £6,775,786 in donations. In recognition of James' incredible efforts to raise awareness and funds for this devastating disease, the UK Royal Family's Prince William bestowed the presenter with Damehood last month. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CdgvKgJoPzN/]] Later that day, the newly honored Dame wrote on Instagram: "Prince William actually came to our family house today!! "I am utterly honored that he joined us for afternoon tea and champagne, where he not only spent a generous amount of time talking to my whole family but also honored me with my Damehood. It’s quite surreal having a royal pop in at home, and yes you can imagine the cleaning antics and preparation went off the scale - but it was all irrelevant because William was so kind and he put us all at ease." In a final column on <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/18518374/deborah-james-final-column-bowel-cancer/">The Sun</a>, James sadly expressed: "I do not want to die – I can’t get my head around the idea that I will not see my kids' weddings or see them grow up – that I will no longer be a part of life that I love so much." Our thoughts go out to James' family, friends, and fans at this time. <h6>Featured image credit: Instagram/@bowelbabe</h6>

Dame Deborah James has passed away at the age of 40

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