I ’ M LIVING ON ADRENALINE
Dame Deborah fights on as appeal hits £6m
CANCER campaigner Dame Deborah James’ fundraising hit £6million as she revealed she is “weaker and more tired” but “running off pure adreneline”.
The 40-year-old former deputy headteacher, receiving end-of-life care, was given her damehood in the garden of her parents’ Surrey home by Prince William on Friday.
Dame Deborah, who has spent the past four years hosting the BBC’S You, Me and The Big C podcast, said: “I believe I may have had the most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days of my life. I cannot thank you for your generosity at launching @bowelbabefund.”
She told Prince William he was “going above and beyond to make a very special memory happen”. The mother of two set up her fund on Monday to raise £250,000 – but within two days, donations had passed the £1million mark.
She wrote yesterday on Instagram: “Can’t quite believe I’m actually a Dame. My family are being amazing and, as emotional as it all is, we are finding so much to smile about in the sadness.
“I always said I wanted to slide in sideways when my time is up, with a massive smile, no regrets and a big glass of champagne. Still my intention.”
Supporters flooded the podcaster with praise, with co-host Lauren Mahon, 37, saying: “You’re a phenomenon, babe.”
Author Bryony Gordon, 41, wrote: “Your magic made this happen. You have changed so many people’s lives for the better. Can’t stop thinking about you, you wonderful human.”
Dame Deborah’s fundraising page reads: “Next time you pop for a coffee or grab a drink, please consider donating the cost of one extra for me.
“My whole family are around me and we will dance through this together, sunbathing and laughing at every possible moment.”
She does not know how long she has to live after revealing she has stopped treatment for her bowel cancer and is receiving hospice care at home.
Dame Deborah was “truly honoured” Prince William, patron of specialist cancer treatment centre the Royal Marsden Hospital, joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne.
He and wife Kate praised her “tireless efforts” to raise awareness of cancer through the podcast she started presenting in 2018 with Lauren and BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rachael Bland, who died that year from cancer at the age of 40.