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“We’ll see each other again, somewhere, somehow, dancing, and until then, please, please enjoy life because it is so precious... and also, check your poo."

Dame Deborah James was just 35 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. Over the next six years, the mum of two, known as Bowelbabe to her followers, helped change the conversation around cancer and raised millions of pounds for charity. With honesty and humour, she documented her journey every step of the way on social media, dancing her way through chemotherapy, podcasting with the Â鶹Éç’s You, Me and the Big C, and in her best-selling book F*** You Cancer.

In May 2022 Dame Deborah revealed that she was moving to end-of-life care, but it wasn’t the end of her story. In the final few weeks of her life, she raised more than £6 million through the launch of her Bowelbabe Fund, and shared tea and champagne with Prince William as he presented her with her damehood in her parents’ back garden.

Despite scans, sickness and steroids, Dame Deborah inspired and educated through tears and laughter. In this intimate tribute following her death, we hear from friends, colleagues and fellow cancer patients as they celebrate her life and legacy.

With contributors Lorraine Kelly, Adele Roberts, Gaby Roslin, George Alagiah, Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, Emma Campbell (Limitless Em) and Professor David Cunningham.