Deborah James Says She'll Die With A Smile And Champagne After Raising Millions

Deborah James has said that she intends to die with a smile and a glass of champagne after raising millions for charity.

The podcast host - known as Bowel Babe - was given a damehood for her 'tireless campaigning' to raise awareness of bowel cancer.

The presenter of You, Me And The Big C disclosed on Monday (9 May) that she had moved to hospice-at-home care to treat her terminal bowel cancer.

At the time of writing, she has raised more than £6 million for Cancer Research UK through her Bowelbabe fund on Just Giving, having set her original target at £250,000.

In a post on Instagram yesterday (Saturday 14 May), the 40-year-old said: "I believe I may have had the most surreal, mind blowing, humbling five days of my life.

"I cannot thank you for your generosity at launching the @bowelbabefund which now stands at £5.7 million, and to the @dukeandduchessofcambridge for going above and beyond to make a very special memory happen yesterday. Can't quite believe I'm actually a Dame!

"My family are being amazing and as emotional as it all is, we are finding so much to smile about in the sadness.

"I may be getting weaker and more tired having run off pure adrenaline, but my word, I always said I wanted to slide in sideways when my time is up, with a massive smile, no regrets and a big glass of champagne! Still my intention!!!"

Dame Deborah, a former headteacher, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and has kept her more than 700,000 Instagram followers up to date with her treatments.

On Monday, she shared the message she 'never wanted to write', explaining that 'nobody knows' how long she has left.

Commenting on her damehood, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "If ever an honour was richly deserved, this is it.

"Deborah has been an inspiration and her honesty, warmth and courage has been a source of strength to so many people.

"Through her tireless campaigning and by so openly sharing her experience she has not only helped in our fight against this terrible disease, she has ensured countless others with the Big C have not felt alone.

"I hope this recognition from Her Majesty – backed I'm sure by the whole country – will provide some comfort to Deborah and her family at this difficult time.

"My thoughts are with them and Deborah should know she has the country's love and gratitude."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week