William and Kate lead tributes to their ‘inspiration’
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led tributes to “inspirational and unfalteringly brave” campaigner Dame Deborah James.
The royals joined celebrities and politicians mourning the podcast host, known as Bowelbabe, who died on Tuesday.
William and Kate, in a personal tribute on Twitter, said: “We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.
“Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones. Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on.”
Prince William was integral to Deborah receiving her Damehood at home in May as she entered end-of-life care surrounded by her family.
ITV’s Lorraine Kelly wore a T-shirt on screen with Deborah’s slogan “Rebellious Hope”.
Steve Bland, whose late wife Rachael co-hosted You, Me and The Big C podcast with Deborah, told the presenter her loss “doesn’t feel real”.
But he added he was proud of the people she helped and lives she saved in the five-and-a-half years since her diagnosis.
Dame Deborah raised almost £7million for research and cancer charities in her final weeks.
Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid also fought back tears as she said:
“Since being diagnosed in 2016, Deborah did whatever she could to fund-raise, challenge taboos and raise awareness of cancer – with honesty, compassion and humour.
“She was an inspiration to so many people and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
Genevieve Edwards, the chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said Dame Deborah leaves a “tremendous legacy” and added: “She never stopped raising awareness.
“Bowel cancer is something people find difficult to talk about. She’s stripped all of that away and shone a powerful light on it.”
This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby also fought back tears, saying: “What she has done will save lives of so many other people. Maybe that’s her greatest legacy.”