Dame Deborah James’ mother has revealed the heartbreaking life advice the bowel cancer campaigner gave to her children shortly before her death.

The mother of two passed away in June 2022 at the age of 40 after a five-year battle with colon cancer.

To commemorate Mother’s Day, Heather James, 66, reflected on her daughter’s final weeks and how she prepared her children for life without her.

Speak with The sunthe Woking gymnastics coach explained how Deborah had a moving conversation with Hugo and Eloise days before her tragic death.

Heather said: ‘The weekend before she died, she told them to live a life worth living.’

“You never know when life will be taken from you, so take every moment and live,” she said. I try to follow that mantra too.’

Elsewhere in the interview, Heather said Deborah encouraged her to break the habit of “saving the best things for holidays and holidays.”

She added, “Deborah would tell me! She was the opposite: she wore her favorite dresses just because.

“I’ve been trying to channel that bold, bright outlook since she died.”

Yesterday, Heather James shared a Mother’s Day tribute to her daughter with her 106,000 Instagram followers.

She wrote: ‘Mother’s Day makes you realize how much you enjoyed the wonderful times you had with your children growing up. You think about all the magical moments you spent together and the fun you had.

‘But today is also a time to remember family members who are sadly no longer with us – for me I think of my own mother who died in 2016 at the age of 90 – for her family was at the center of her life and as she grew older , she loved being with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her so much joy and love.

‘Of course this is a time when I remember Deborah and think of the good times she had with her own family and with us, and it makes me realize again how much we all still miss her – today with her own children was always a of her special times.

“My love to all of you on this day and I think especially of those who have lost a mother or child at this time. Xx’

In her latest You, Me and the Big C podcast, released in May 2022, Deborah bid an emotional farewell to her loyal listeners and revealed she had decided to spend her days at her parents’ bungalow in Woking to spend her save children from constant problems. memories in their home in London.

‘It’s the kind of place where, strangely enough, I’ve always wanted to die. I have always had that in mind,” Debora said at the time. ‘I think I always knew I didn’t want to be in my house in London. It doesn’t feel good to me.’

It came after Deborah said she was preparing to ‘surrender to the inevitable’ and was in a hospice at the end of her life, surrounded by her family, in a heartfelt ‘final’ column for The Sun.

The 40-year-old star of the critically acclaimed podcast “You, Me and the Big C” wrote that her body was “emaciated” after a five-year battle with colon cancer.

Her mother Heather was a constant support to the former deputy headteacher turned cancer activist, who was living with stage four bowel cancer after being diagnosed in December 2016.

She was by her side during countless hospital stays, participated in Deborah’s viral “chemo dances,” in which the pair shook a leg to help the host through another cycle of chemotherapy, and cared for her grandchildren “at a moment’s notice.” ‘.

Five months after Deborah’s death, her daughter Eloise modeled a limited edition Christmas jumper to raise money for her BowelBabe charity.

Eloise wore a white jumper with the words ‘Rebellious Hope’ and holly on the lettering as part of their family’s festive fundraising campaign.

Deborah launched ‘Rebellious Hope’ T-shirts earlier this year to raise money for her BowelBabe fund and her family have continued fundraising in her memory.

Deborah’s ‘Rebellious Hope’ T-shirts have already raised more than £1.68 million for the fund and her family said they hope the new jumpers can carry Deborah’s ‘light and magic’.

In April last year, Deborah’s husband, Sebastien Bowen, said their children were still clinging to the mantra of “rebellious hope.”

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the widower revealed that his wife had died ‘peacefully’ and was surrounded by her family in June 2022 aged 40.

Sebastian recalled telling his children on the day of the funeral, “If we can get through this together, I think we can do anything,” Sebastian said the message has remained true for them.

“I think that kind of sticks with us a little bit… we’re a pretty strong unit, I think,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deborah’s children reflected on their mother’s legacy, which they are still proud of today.

“It’s just amazing to think… first of all, the legacy that it is,” Hugo, 15, told the programme.

And secondly, the amount that could be achieved with this 11 million, I think, is beyond what anyone could achieve at this time.”

Hugo also said that the family still emphasizes the importance of the “rebellious hope” that their mother had always urged in everyone.

“It means that no matter what, there is always something to keep you going,” he added.

Eloise, who wore a dress from Deborah’s InTheStyle collection, designed in the final weeks of her life, also thanked supporters for their “amazing” contribution and opened up about finding joy in her mother’s health journey.

She revealed that she and her mother would “dance every second,” especially when Deborah was having a bad day after chemotherapy.

“It was good to have help with things because you didn’t think about it, you just danced,” she explained.

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.

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.”

Over 21 series, the entrepreneurs of Dragon's Den have carefully honed their reputation as tough-as-nails tycoons who can spot – and ruthlessly take down – a dubious business idea at a moment's notice.

Many of those who have dared to enter their lair in search of investments have famously collapsed from examining the millionaire Dragons' tricky questions about profits, losses and predictions.

However, the latest series of the hugely popular BBC One show has, say viewers, seen a lighter side to the current cohort, including Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.

Last night's episode featured hopeful Derry Green, who set up a glamping business during lockdown Skelmersdale was overwhelmed by the universally positive response from the Dragons – and all five were impressed by his profitable holiday business.

The Wigan businessman, who is looking to boost his glamping success at Secret Garden, was told 'it was okay to be emotional' by Deborah Meaden after being reduced to tears of joy in the den.

As Green left, after asking Deborah Meaden to grow his business, he wiped away tears, while Dragon Sara Davies also grabbed a tissue and said through tears: “I'm just so happy for him.”

Touker Suleyman promptly offered his fellow magnate a warm hug.

However, some viewers hoping for Dragons' signature short shrift weren't so sure about the feel-good positivity.

One wrote: 'What the hell happened to this show, I thought evil dragons had gone soft!'

Another agreed, saying: 'The Dragons are turning into pussies. Soft offers and hugs ffs!'

Others suggested the show had adopted a more 'woke' format.

Next week for example football star Gary Neville will join the den as a guest host.

Despite the former Manchester United legend having had mixed success as a businessman, the announcement that he would feature in series 21 has caused a stir.

And he has already impressed a fellow Dragon in Bartlett, with the entrepreneur admitting he was stunned by the size of the business portfolio the former England international had developed when he appeared on his Diary Of A CEO podcast last year.

Neville had explained the motivation behind his investments, emphasizing that he wanted to build teams and raise standards in Greater Manchester.

“They are all in Greater Manchester, in Salford, Trafford and Manchester city centre, and I feel very focused on my investments in them,” Neville said.

'Some people would say this is naive and that you should expand your investments outside Greater Manchester. No, I'm passionate about where I come from, where I live and I want to invest back in that part of the country.

'The two hotels, the football club, the major developments we are working on, the university, the project management consultancy. They are all in Greater Manchester.”

By Mary Mrad for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 10:21 PM EST, December 1, 2023 | Updated: 00:58 EST, December 2, 2023

By Kinta Walsh-cotton for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 07:38 EST, November 12, 2023 | Updated: 07:42 EST, November 12, 2023

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.

The Prince of Wales has backed a charity single released today to mark one year since the death of cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James.  

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

Natalie Rushdie, a friend of the late cancer campaigner, is releasing Tell Me It’s Not True, which she sang a year ago at Dame Debs’ funeral, alongside a video, which was shared exclusively by Femail. 

Now, Prince William has shared his support for the single, of which 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to Dame Deborah’s Bowel Babe Fund. The royal stressed how proud the campaigner would have been of these fundraising efforts. 

It comes as Dame Deborah James’s mother posted a heartfelt message on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death.

Prince William, who visited the cancer campaigner at her parents’ home in Surrey before she died to make her a dame, also paid tribute, hailing her as an inspiration. 

He told The Sun: ‘Dame Debs would be so proud. She inspired the nation. Her legacy will be countless lives saved from bowel cancer.

‘I’m wishing Natalie all the very best for her single release to raise money for such an important cause,’ he added.

The emotional video shows Natalie recording the song – a cover from the Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers – at Abbey Road studios.

The footage is interlaced 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 her husband Sebastien Bowen.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Sebastien said: ‘It’s so touching to have Natalie pay tribute to Deborah, by immortalising this song which 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 got to know Natalie. 

‘The family is so grateful to Natalie and everyone who has supported and taken part in this recording – thank you.’

Natalie is releasing the track at the request of Dame Deborah’s family, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.

It comes as Dame Deborah James’s mother posted a heartfelt message on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death.

Heather James, 65, shared an emotional tribute to her ‘interesting, fun, and manic’ daughter and the ‘incredible legacy’ she left behind. 

The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-four Heather reflected on her daughter’s life and her ‘determination to help others achieve their full potential’.

Taking to Instagram to pay tribute to her daughter, her mother Heather wrote: ‘Today is the first anniversary of our eldest child Deborah’s death. Deborah came into the world full of energy and never stopped over the next 40 years.

‘The past 12 months have not been easy but we remember with immense pride and love the amazing impact she had on so many lives and the incredible legacy she has left.

‘We were young parents when Deborah was born and the first cuddles and touches with your firstborn are something you remember forever and cannot be taken away from you – life with Debs was always interesting, fun, and manic but there was always a determination in her to help others achieve their full potential especially in her teaching career. 

‘When first diagnosed with Bowel Cancer it took us time to realise the seriousness of her diagnosis but we immediately knew she wanted to share her story with others to establish open communication about a subject that many considered a taboo – you will all agree she succeeded !

‘We followed and supported her work in the last 5 years of life but also remembered we were there as her ever loving parents and grandparents to her children. 

‘In what became very difficult times it was wonderful to see the immense love and support she received from her husband Sebastien and their children, her siblings Sarah & Ben together with the unwavering support of their families.

She continued: ‘During her final weeks at home the atmosphere was unique but most importantly loving – we all understood what the end would be, although I struggled to believe that Deborah was facing the end of her life that she loved so much, but there was a determination to enjoy every last minute and experiences we had together. 

‘Although I’m sure nobody expected that Prince William would join us for tea & champagne!!

Dame Deborah became dear to the nation’s hearts after she was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of just 35. 

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 the 28th June 2022 at 40 years old. 

In the years following her diagnosis,  Deborah did all she could to raise awareness of bowel cancer and fundraise for vital research. 

She became the nation’s sweetheart, known fondly by her ‘Rebellious Hope’ mantra. 

Natalie sang at her funeral last year, with the lyrics to  ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ holding special value to everyone who knows Deborah’s story, in particular those closest to her.

A year on, Natalie re-sang, and recorded the song in the iconic Studio 2 of Abbey Road Studios with the accompaniment of 25 musicians. 

The world-renowned producer, Haydn Bendall who has worked with the likes of Kate Bush, Tina Turner, and The Pet Shop Boys produced the track, while Willy Russell who wrote the original score for Blood Brothers, where ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ originates, is in full support of this recording.

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

Natalie a well-established jazz singer having performed sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, London Coliseum and St Paul’s Cathedral was honoured when her dear 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 their daughter’s memory. 

The project has brilliantly snowballed to become a beautiful homage to Deborah’s ‘Rebellious Hope’ legacy.

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

The Fund supports cutting-edge research into early detection and personalised medicine, raises awareness of signs and symptoms, and tackles the stigmas around cancer. 

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

Speaking to FEMAIL, Natalie said: ‘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 somewhere she will be dancing to her song. 

‘I am honoured to sing and record this beautiful track in Deborah’s name and I hope the public get behind us to support this wonderful project.’

Heather and Alistair James, Deborah’s parents, added they were ‘delighted’ and that they know ‘Deborah would be delighted and honoured’ by the track. 

The former deputy head teacher, who was known to many as Bowel Babe, intimately detailed the last five years of her life online.

Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis – including videos of her dancing her way through treatment – won praise from the public and media alike.

She launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast in 2018, alongside Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.

In May 2022, the podcaster revealed that she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, with her husband and their two children on hand.

In the months leading up to her death, Deborah had Prince William over for tea, who made her a Dame.

Living life on her own terms despite her illness, she designed Charity T-shirts a clothing line to raise millions more for her Bowelbabe fund.

The Dame also wrote and published her second book How to Live When You Could Be Dead, while suffering from cancer, detailing how developing a positive mindset was key to enabling her to cope with her diagnosis.

She told her children, Hugo, 15 and Eloise, 13, to ‘take chances and experience life now’ and to marry for love in a heartbreaking final letter.

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

Dame Deborah James’ mother has posted a heartfelt message on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death.

Heather James, 65, shared an emotional tribute to her “interesting, fun and manic” daughter and the “incredible legacy” she left behind.

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

Mother of three and grandmother of four Heather reflected on her daughter’s life and her “determination to help others reach their full potential.”

Prince William, who visited the cancer activist at her parents’ house in Surrey before she died to make her a lady, also paid tribute today, praising her as an inspiration.

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

Take to Instagram to pay tribute to her daughter, her mother Heather wrote, “Today is the first anniversary of our oldest child Deborah. Deborah came into the world full of energy and never stopped for the next 40 years.

“The past 12 months have not been easy, but we remember with immense pride and love the amazing impact she had on so many lives and the incredible legacy she left behind.

“We were young parents when Deborah was born and the first cuddles and touches with your firstborn are something you will remember forever and cannot take away – life with Debs was always interesting, fun and manic, but there was always a determination in her to help others reach their full potential, especially in her teaching career.

“When we were first diagnosed with colon cancer, it took us time to understand the seriousness of her diagnosis, but we knew right away that she wanted to share her story with others to establish open communication on an issue. that many considered a taboo – you will all agree that she succeeded!

“We followed and supported her work in the last 5 years of her life, but also remembered that we were there as her ever-loving parents and grandparents to her children.

“In what became very difficult times it was wonderful to see the immense love and support she received from her husband Sebastien and their children, her siblings Sarah and Ben along with the unwavering support of their families.

She continued, “During her last weeks at home, the atmosphere was unique but most of all loving – we all understood what the end would be, although I struggled to believe that Deborah was facing the end of her life that she loved so much, but there was a determination to enjoy every last minute and experiences we had together.

‘Although I’m sure no one expected Prince William to join us for tea and champagne!!

“Deborah, you always provided a challenge, but it was your ability to steer it in the right direction and communicate so brilliantly that made all the difference.

She concluded: “As your brother said on the eve of your funeral – from the beginning you taught me how to live – you had that effect on many more people than you ever knew and that’s why you were so loved and are now so missed . – Deborah we love you forever. Xx’

Many fans, friends and celebrities rushed to the post to show their support for Heather and her family.

Katie Piper said, “I’ve reread this a few times now. Incredibly moving. I often think of Deborah and all the good she has done in this life. We owe a lot to her.’

Giovanna Fletcher said, “Lovely words Heather. My Deborah James roses grow in the garden and I think of all of you when I take in their blooms. Sending so much love. Xxxx’

While Gaby Roslin said, “Sending you and Alistair and all the family so much love. She was inspiring and cheerful and the best laugh. She will always be remembered with such fondness by all who knew her and those who didn’t. What a woman.’

During her lifetime, Deborah had established the Bowelbabe Cancer Research Fund to raise money for research into personalized medicine for cancer patients.

Heather has now taken over the campaigns to promote health awareness, which she revealed helps her cope with the grief of losing her daughter.

She announced on her Instagram yesterday that Blood Brothers’ emotional Tell Me It’s Not True, which was sung at Deborah’s funeral, will be released as a charity single.

It will be sung by Deborah’s friend Natalie Rushdie in support of the Bowelbabe Fund on the anniversary of Deborah’s death and will be released on July 3rd.

She recently praised her late daughter’s bowel cancer fund, which has now raised a whopping £11.3 million, on Lorraine.

She said: “She had set a target of £250,000,” the mother-of-three said, explaining the fund’s origins. “I think it was a million in a day and she was blown away as we all were and I wish she was here to see it was 11.3 million.

“But we’re not going to stop there. We’re going to make it even bigger.’

The grandmother of four also spoke candidly about dealing with grief as she continues to work on efforts to tackle the disease and help fund efforts — explaining that the “go go go” nature of the job helps her so as not to fall into despair.

“Deborah was always ‘go go go’ and full of energy,” she told Ranvir Singh.

‘If I have too much time… you think ‘this is real, she’s gone’.

“But she’s so… in our lives — so much, in everything she left behind — that I’ll continue to campaign and if we can do that for Deborah’s legacy that’s great, but in terms of grief I think it’s harder is now the reality sets in. ‘

Heather revealed that she felt “numb” with grief before realizing the loss is “real.”

Dame Deborah was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. She continued to raise awareness of the disease until her death on June 28, 2022.

The former deputy director, who was known to many as Bowel Babe, intimately described the last five years of her life online.

Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis — including videos of her dancing through the treatment — have been praised by the public and media alike.

She launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast in 2018 along with Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.

In May 2022, the podcaster revealed that she had withdrawn from active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, with her husband and their two children on hand.

In the months leading up to her death, Deborah had Prince William for tea, who made her a Lady.

Despite her illness, she lived on her own terms and designed Charity T-shirts, a clothing line to raise another million for her Bowelbabe fund.

De Dame also wrote and published her second book, How to Live When You Could Be Dead, while battling cancer, in which she describes how developing a positive mindset was key to enabling her to cope with her diagnosis.

She told her children, Hugo, 15, and Eloise, 13, to “take risks and experience life now” and marry for love in a heartbreaking final letter.