Dame Deborah James' mum says she'll miss her daughter 'forever' — a month after her death

Virgin Radio

2 Aug 2022, 13:05

Dame Deborah James’ mother has paid tribute to her beloved daughter to mark a month after her passing and has said she will miss her 'forever'. Heather wrote an emotional piece on Instagram about her 40-year-old daughter who lost her battle against bowel cancer in June.

Alongside the picture of Dame Deborah, she penned: "A year ago we were on holiday with you - miss you forever."

The trailblazing fundraiser had documented her difficult journey with stage four bowel cancer following her 2016 diagnosis, and became known online as BowelBabe. 

Deborah’s family confirmed the news via Instagram in a post that 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.”

Her co-host of podcast You, Me And The Big C, Lauren Mahon, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Sunday: "It’s really weird, because it’s almost like I can compartmentalise so I can come and talk to you guys about the podcast and my wonderful, wonderful friend, and its work.

"I think it’s more off screen when I’m with friends and people ask about the funeral and I’m like I don’t want to talk about it. Grief is unique – and it’s very unique to grieve someone so public. When you grieve someone, you can usually go off into a hole somewhere."

The cancer fighter said: "Deborah’s always like, you’re the hope, you’re the hope, so I really want to continue that for her and for Rachael.

"It’s really strange because last time I was here, she was watching, so it’s very strange not being able to turn to her and say 'oh my gosh this is what happened', or 'you’ll never guess what', but I still tell her in my mind."