Deborah James was welcomed as a life-saving “beacon” for its heritage | Colorectal Cancer

When Mrs. Deborah James revealed that she was receiving home care for end-stage bowel cancer, she admitted that she wanted to be an outlier to live forever.

It wasn’t.. However, James’ legacy remains. It will give countless other Deborahs across the country to live more time than she could have herself.

This achievement for other cancer patients was James’ passionate hope. From her role as a co-host of the BBC podcasts You, Me, and Big C, she spoke in a nonsense tone about living with her bowel cancer, and she raised nearly £ 7 million through her. to Bowelbabe Fund – Includes £ 1.5m a day – James’s campaign was exciting and unwavering.

She does not ignore symptoms such as toilet blood, persistent and unexplained changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue for no apparent reason, stomach pain and lumps in potential patients. I urged you.

Theresa Whitfield is just one of those who said James’s advice helped save their lives after developing bowel cancer. Whitfield was urged to go to her family doctor after seeing James explain her symptoms on her breakfast television. “Without her campaign, I wouldn’t have been able to continue returning to my GP,” Whitfield said. “She caused me something, and I don’t have cancer now. She saved my life. I can only say thank you. Without her, I think I’m here today. not.”

Millions of people gathered by James are put into clinical trials and research into illnesses that people are usually too embarrassed to talk to. But James didn’t feel that embarrassed. Her last message to one million Instagram followers, she advised them, “Check your poop. It may save your life.”

A friend described her as a “warrior” who “taught me how to live and how to die.” The Duchess of Cambridge, who personally visited James at her parents’ home in Walking, Surrey in mid-May, called her “an exciting and unwavering brave woman whose heritage lasts.”

BBC News Presenter George Alagiah diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2014In his own case, he said the previous screening helped. “It’s a beacon and illuminates the way for all of us,” he said. Thank you for your example. Deborah, rest assured now. “

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer cancer According to a British study, James “challenge taboo” around an honest and compassionate cancer. “She has inspired so many people and her influence will be felt over the years to come,” Mitchell said. “A powerful writer, reporter and broadcaster, Deborah enthusiastically supported the power of science and early diagnosis, highlighting the devastating impact of Covid on cancer treatment.”

Mitchell said the overwhelming support of James’ Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was “a testament to the number of people Deborah touched on her warmth, energy and playfulness. She is a wonderful person and many. It will be greatly missed by people. “

Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Paying homage to James in a post on that website, States as follows. “Deborah was an absolute inspiration for so many cancer patients and was an avid supporter of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. She is deeply grateful for her support.”

He added: “Behind the scenes, Deborah spent time chatting with other patients on social media to provide advice and support.

“For those who like to dress and talk publicly, much of what Deborah has done for the cancer community is actually quiet and unobtrusive, done from a chemotherapy chair or late at night. “

Boris Johnson has released an official statement that James “inspired so many people.” Her perceptions she brought to bowel cancer and her research funded by her campaign will be her lasting legacy. Thanks to her, many lives will be saved. “

But Johnson didn’t reply to some of James’ letters to him throughout his life, asking why the government threw everything into the Covid-19 pandemic and didn’t do the same for cancer. “Last year, more people died of cancer than Covid,” she said in 2021.