Gina Heslop
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah James. Her death is a tragedy that has deeply affected her family and friends. Deborah’s mother said, “I brought my daughter into the world and took her out of it.” Holding Deborah’s hand as she took her last breath, her mother felt both immense sadness and relief, knowing Deborah was no longer in pain.
Deborah, a whirlwind of a woman, was a mother to two wonderful children, Hugo and Eloise, who are now 16 and 14 years old, respectively. Losing their mother is a profound loss, and her absence is felt keenly by her entire family. Deborah’s journey began when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer five and a half years ago at the age of 35. At that time, she was a healthy, active young woman who didn’t smoke or eat meat. She started losing weight, experiencing bloody stools, and feeling constantly tired. Initially, it was thought to be stress or IBS, but the devastating diagnosis of bowel cancer came in December 2016.
Deborah’s cancer was in its fourth stage when discovered, yet she remained brave and determined. She didn’t just focus on her illness; she wanted to help others. She began writing a column for The Sun, started the Bowelbabe blog, co-hosted the popular podcast You, Me, and the Big C, and worked with The Sun to lower the NHS screening age. She encouraged people to get checked and openly talked about symptoms.
Her children were the most important part of her life. To make things better for them, she launched the Bowelbabe Fund before she died, aiming to fund cancer research and find new treatments. Even in her final weeks, she worked tirelessly on this project.
Deborah’s legacy extends beyond her advocacy and the lives she saved. Her best gift was her advice on how to live. She made the most of every day and found joy in small things, a quality she passed on to her children. Just before she died, she reminded them to live fully and enjoy every moment. Deborah’s spirit continues to inspire her family, especially her children, Hugo and Eloise.
In March 2022, Deborah was very ill but still planned a Mother’s Day lunch, a day her mother will always cherish. When doctors at The Royal Marsden Hospital said there was nothing more they could do, Deborah moved in with her parents. They spent seven precious weeks together, filled with love and memories. Prince William even visited to honor her with the title of Dame.
Deborah and her mother spent many sleepless nights together, talking and finding comfort in each other’s company. Holding Deborah’s hand as she passed, her mother was grateful for the peaceful end to her daughter’s suffering.
In the first year after Deborah’s death, her mother focused on helping Deborah’s husband, Seb, and their children. However, the weight of grief eventually caught up with her, leading to panic attacks and physical exhaustion. Talking about Deborah and looking at her pictures have been sources of comfort.
As time passes, Deborah’s spirit lives on in her family and in the work she did to raise awareness about bowel cancer. Her mother continues to honor her memory by embracing life’s moments, dressing up for no reason, and cherishing every day, just as Deborah did.
