Dame Deborah James
Mum of two, podcast host, and inspiration to many, Deborah James was honoured with a damehood last week. The 40 year old, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer over five years ago, posted a final goodbye to her followers explaining that she was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ house, surrounded by family. At the time of going to press, Deborah had raised over £4m for her “Bowelbabe” charity fund. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked Deborah for her “tireless efforts” to raise awareness of cancer, writing, “Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life and tenacious desire to give back to society. [Deborah] is one of those special people.”