Singer who released charity single in memory of Deborah James talks to Kate at Wimbledon

A singer and friend of the late cancer activist Dame Deborah James was invited to enjoy tennis with Kate Middleton from the royal box at Wimbledon today.

Deborah, a broadcaster and former head teacher known as Bowel Babe, died in June 2022 at the age of 40, five years after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer when she found blood in her stool.

Natalie Rushdie, a classically trained jazz singer who has sung at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, was asked to perform a cover of the Deborah single, Tell Me It’s Not True, at her funeral.

She recently released the song as a charity single for the campaigner’s charity and won the backing of Prince William, who supported the release and wished Natalie “all the best with her single release”.

Natalie revealed on Instagram that she discussed Prince William’s support with the Princess of Wales, 41, today, with Kate saying it was ‘very important for William to give his support’.

In her message, Natalie wrote: “Well, last week I got an invitation from Wimbledon to the Royal Box. After signing up for the ballot every year and having no luck, I was thrilled.

“Tennis was exciting, especially watching Andy Murray play on center court, but if the weather could improve that would be ideal.

‘I think the highlight of the day was speaking to HRH The Princess of Wales.

“I personally thanked her and William for supporting Deborah and our song Tell Me It’s Not True, she said it was “great” what we were doing and said it was “very important for William to get his support.” to give”.

‘What a day!’

Prince William, 41, met Deborah James last year, when he went to her parents’ house in Surrey shortly before her death to make a lady out of her. He described the campaigner as inspiring.

Speaking recently in support of Natalie’s single, 100 percent of proceeds of which will be donated to Dame Deborah’s Bowel Babe Fund, he noted how proud the campaigner would have been of these fundraising efforts.

He told The sun: ‘Lady Debs would be so proud. She inspired the nation. Her legacy will be countless lives saved from colon cancer.

“I wish Natalie all the best for her single release to raise money for such an important cause.”

The single is accompanied by an emotional video, which shows Natalie recording the song – a cover of the Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers – at Abbey Road studios.

The footage is laced with clips of Dame Deborah James throughout her life, including dancing in the rain in her garden and in the hospital with her nurses.

Clips also show her dancing in the garden with her children Hugo, 15, and Eloise, 13, as well as husband Sebastien Bowen.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Sebastien said: “It is so touching that Natalie pays tribute to Deborah by immortalizing this song that meant so much to her.

“She performed it beautifully at Deborah’s funeral, and this production is simply breathtaking. I have known Zafar [Natalie’s husband] for over 25 years, and it was through this close friendship that Deborah and I met Natalie.

“The family is so grateful to Natalie and everyone who supported and participated in this recording – thank you.”

Dame Deborah became dear to the nation after she was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer in 2016 at just 35 years old.

Earning love and respect through social media and her blog BowelBabe, and later the airwaves of the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast, You, Me and the Big C, Deborah passed away on June 28, 2022 at the age of 40.

In the years following her diagnosis, Deborah did everything she could to raise awareness of colon cancer and raise money for vital research.

She became the darling of the land, affectionately known by her mantra ‘Rebellious Hope’.

Natalie sang at her funeral last year, with the lyrics to “Tell Me It’s Not True” having special value for anyone who knows Deborah’s story, especially those closest to her.

Natalie and Deborah met seven years ago, became close friends and respected each other’s zest for life – the two became even closer after both surviving Sepsis.

Natalie, an established jazz singer who has performed sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, London Coliseum and St Paul’s Cathedral, was honored when her friend asked her to sing at the funeral.

A year later, Deborah’s parents Heather and Alistair asked Natalie to officially record the song in memory of their daughter.

The project has grown brilliantly into a beautiful tribute to Deborah’s ‘Rebellious Hope’ legacy.

Proceeds from the charity single will be donated directly to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, including publishing and writing rights.

The Fund supports pioneering research in early detection and personalized medicine, raising awareness of signs and symptoms and tackling the stigmas surrounding cancer.

To date, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK has raised over £11.3 million.

Natalie told FEMAIL, “The last time I saw Deborah, about a week before she died, she asked me to sing Tell Me It’s Not True at her funeral.

“It was one of the hardest and most emotional performances I’ve ever had to do. I miss her voice, her vibrancy for life, her dancing, her constant support and our friendship, but I know she will dance to her song somewhere.

“I am honored to sing and record this beautiful song on behalf of Deborah and I hope the audience will be behind us in supporting this wonderful project.”

Tell Me It’s Not True’ by Natalie Rushdie is available on all major streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, TikTok, Deezer, YouTube and more. 100% of the proceeds go to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.