Dame Deborah James sadly dies aged 40 after bowel cancer battle

She's raised millions for charity

Author: Alex RossPublished 28th Jun 2022
Last updated 28th Jun 2022

TV personality and cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James has sadly passed away at the age of 40, after losing her battle with terminal bowel cancer.

The sad news was confirmed tonight (Tuesday 28th June) in an Instagram post on Deborah's page.

It read: '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.

'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.

'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

'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.” x

'(Shared with Deborah’s permission)'. (sic)

Deborah was honoured with a damehood on Thursday 12th May, just days after she announced she'd moved to hospice-at-home care to treat her condition, going on to raise over £6 million for her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.

The 40-year-old, who sadly leaves behind her husband Sebastien Bowen and their two children, chose to set up the fund to raise money for clinical trials, research, and raising awareness of bowel cancer.

Speaking about receiving the damehood, Deborah said at the time: “I don’t know what to say. I’m blown away and feel incredibly honoured.

“I don’t feel like I deserve this. I can’t tell you what this means to my family, it’s so much to take in.”

Remembering all of the famous faces we've lost in 2022:

Kim Mi-soo

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His niece confirmed the sad news on social media.

Peter Bogdanovich

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Sir Sidney Poitier

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Dame Deborah James

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Dame Olivia Newton-John peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday 8th August.


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Former Hollyoaks actor Bruce Montague, who was also known for his role in Doctor Who audio adventures, sadly passed away at the age of 83 in August.


his talent agency Belfield & Ward announced the news on social media.

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Her agent confirmed the news in a statement which read: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.


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Fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood sadly passed away at the age of 81 in December, dying peacefully surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London.

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After being diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016, Deborah has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and attempt to raise money in order to help with clinical trials and treatment.

The former headteacher launched a podcast called You, Me and the Big C and she kept her social media followers up to date on her condition throughout her treatment.

On Tuesday 10th May, Deborah shared a heartbreaking message out to her 600,000 plus Instagram fans, revealing her treatment had stopped and she's moved to hospice-at-home care.

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.

'In over 5 years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school - I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye.

'I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me.

'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.' (sic)

Deborah then urged her followers to kindly donate to her Bowelbabe Fund, adding: 'I always knew there was one thing I always wanted to do before I died. I have always over the years raised as much awareness and money for the charities that are closest to me. @cr_uk @royalmarsden @bowelcanceruk

'As a result, the @bowelbabefund is being established and I’d love nothing more than for you to help it flourish. Please visit bowelbabe.org for all the info and to donate (link in Bio).

'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!

'Right now for me it’s all about 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'.

Remembering Dame Deborah James:

Pictured here in 2020, Deborah James was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35. After the diagnosis she began detailing her cancer and treatment in a newspaper column.

Deborah James became the much-loved presenter of the podcast You, Me And The Big C in 2018 alongside fellow cancer patients Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.

She's become a campaigner, raising awareness of cancer and raising money too. In 2019 she ran the Vitiality London 10000 in her underwear to promote body confidence.

In May 2022 she announced she was receiving hospice at home care saying "We have tried everything, but my body simply isn't playing ball."

The cancer campaigner was honoured with a damehood in May 2022 after announcing she had moved to hospice-at-home care.
The 40-year-old podcast host had at that point raised over £4million after setting up a fund to raise money for clinical trials, research, and raising awareness of bowel cancer.

Dame Deborah James dies

On the 28th June 2022 it was announced that Dame Deborah had sadly passed away at the age of 40, after losing her battle with terminal bowel cancer. Her campaigning work raised over £7 million for her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.

On Tuesday 17th May, Deborah confirmed she'd written her second book called How To Live When You Could Be Dead, admitting she was 'gutted' she wouldn't see it being published, despite the publish date being brought forward from January 2023 to August 2022.

Deborah later revealed £3 from every book sale would be donated to her Bowelbabe Fund.

In early June, Deborah appeared in a pre-recorded video message on ITV Daytime show Lorraine, where she admitted she felt 'blessed' to still be alive, revealing she'd 'outlived' doctor's predictions.

You can donate to Deborah's Bowelbabe Fund right here.

Our thoughts are with Deborah's family and friends at this sad time.

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For great music and incredible competitions tune into Tay FM on 96.4 and 102.8FM, online, on our Tay FM app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Tay FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.