Dame Deborah James' mother says her daughter's legacy will continue in moving World Cancer Day tribute to campaigner who died aged 40

Dame Deborah James' mother has paid tribute to her late daughter on World Cancer Day.

Heather James, a gymnastics coach, was a strong supporter of her daughter's battle against colon cancer before she passed away in June 2022.

As she marks World Cancer Day, Heather has paid tribute to her daughter in a touching post on her Instagram Story.

Heather reshared a post from Dame Deborah's Bowelbabe Fund, writing: 'Four years ago, on World Cancer Day, Deborah pledged to continue raising awareness of bowel cancer.

“Deborah, you will never be forgotten and your legacy will continue through the Bowelbabe fund. I love and miss you forever.”

She added in a subsequent post: 'What a big hole you have left in our hearts and lives.'

Dame Deborah James died on June 28, 2022, aged 40, after a phenomenal campaign to raise money for bowel cancer treatment.

After being diagnosed with colon cancer at age 35, she became a viral sensation through her social media content as she fought her way through chemotherapy and lived with “rebellious hope.”

Channeling her inner Celine Dion, she started a TikTok movement where she made her way through It's All Coming Back to Me Now, encouraging other people undergoing cancer treatment to join in – and dress in glitter while in were in the hospital.

Heather, a gym teacher, supported Deborah through her cancer treatment, including her 'chemo dancing' in hospital

Dame Deborah was one of the presenters of the You, Me & The Big C podcast alongside Rachel Bland, who died in 2018, and Lauren Mahon

In addition to her crusade, she co-hosted BBC's You, Me & The Big C podcast with Lauren Mahon and Rachel Bland, who died of breast cancer in 2018. After her death, her husband Steve took over as presenter.

In the final months of her life, mother-of-two Deborah launched the Bowelbabe Fund, raising more than £11 million for cancer charities.

While she spent her final days at her parents' home in Woking, Surrey, Heather and her father Alistair helped care for their daughter, along with Deborah's own children Hugo and Eloise and husband Seb.

Heather has been a constant support to the former deputy director turned cancer activist since her initial diagnosis in 2016.

She was by her side during countless hospital stays, participated in Deborah's viral “chemo dances” and took care of her grandchildren “at a moment's notice.”

Heather also made sure Deborah's fans stayed informed about her condition, sharing updates on her own Instagram page @bowelgran, and stood in for her daughter when she was too ill to host events.

One such occasion was the launch of the 'No Butts' campaign with Lorraine Kelly, which aimed to raise awareness of bowel cancer during the Scottish host's daytime program from April 19 to May 5.

Praising her mum's looks, Deborah said on Instagram: 'I'm so proud of my mum today for stepping in to help launch the #NoButts campaign with @lorraine.

“This campaign is something I am so passionate about. So of course I think it's a shame that I'm not (yet!) well enough to be there in person.'

In her final days, Dame Deborah released a clothing line with InTheStyle, based on her 'Rebellious Hope' mantra.

She also received her Damehood – which was personally delivered by Prince William, who came to Woking for afternoon tea in Heather and Alistair's garden.

When Deborah passed away, Heather posted a touching tribute to her daughter on Instagram.

In her story, she shared the post announcing the cancer activist's death, writing: “My heart is broken.”

In another story, she said, “I love you forever.”