The one-year anniversary of Dame Deborah James’ passing has been honoured by celebrities, including Lorraine, who have paid tribute to her life and legacy.
The renowned advocate, known as Bowelbabe on social media and as the host of the You, Me, And The Big C podcast, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2016 and spent the next years raising awareness and funds.
She died in 2022 at the age of 40, yet her legacy lives on.
Lorraine Kelly delivered a poignant tribute on her ITV programme after playing a snippet from Natalie Rushdie’s charity track, Tell Me It’s Not True, which will be released on July 3 in her memory.
‘Today marks the first anniversary of her death, I can’t believe that was a year ago,’ Lorraine, 63, began.
Lorraine praised her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK for raising more than £11 million.
She continued: ‘There was a rose named in Deborah’s honour. It’s lovely to see so many of you sharing pictures of your roses that are all starting to bloom, which is a real symbol of hope and resilience. We miss her very very much.’
Gaby Roslin, 58, a TV and radio presenter, rushed to Instagram to send her condolences to Dame Deborah’s family.
‘A whole year. You will forever be in everyone’s hears and minds Debs. My love to the whole family.’
Heather, Dame Deborah’s mother, also paid homage on social media.
Part of it read: ‘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.’
‘Deborah you always provided a challenge but it was your ability to put it in the right direction and communicate so brilliantly that made a difference.
‘As your brother said on the eve of your funeral – from the beginning you taught me how to live – you had that effect on far more people than you ever knew and that is why you were so loved and are now so missed – Deborah we love you for ever Xx,’ it concluded.
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Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, 38, wrote her own special words in response to the touching essay.
‘My Deborah James roses have been growing in the garden and I think about you all whenever I take in their blooms. Sending so much love. Xxxx.’
Katie Piper, 39, added: ‘I often think about Deborah and all the good she did in this life. We have a lot to thank her for.’
‘I think about debs so often heather, you’re so right, she taught so many of us how to live and what a legacy ❤️ it’s a sadder world without her in it, I’m thinking of you all today,’ penned 28-year-old Emily Clarkson.
Izzy Judd, a musician, also celebrated the milestone by playing strings on the charity track. It was a ‘amazing delight’ for her to be a part of the ‘wonderful tune,’ she added.
Dame Deborah was survived by husband Sebastien and children Hugo and Eloise.
