Bowel cancer campaigner James feels ‘humbled and blown away’ by damehood

PODCAST host Deborah James said she is “honoured and shocked” that she was considered for a damehood.

The 40-year-old, known online as Bowel Babe, was honoured for her “tireless campaigning” having raised more than £4m for Cancer Research UK so far. In a post on Instagram, Ms James said the last few days had been a “whirlwind of surreal dreaming”, and that she “can’t fathom the kindness and generosity”.

She said: “I don’t even know where to start with the overwhelming tears getting in the way.

“I’m humbled and blown away that five years of talking about poo can lead to a damehood! I feel honoured and shocked that I even got considered.

“I can simply only give thanks for the wonderful people in the world and say the most heartfelt thank you for your unconditional support not just now but over the years.”

The presenter of popular BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, disclosed on Monday that she had moved to hospice-at-home care to treat her terminal bowel cancer.

In the social media post, Ms James added: “As I’m getting more and more sleepy and finding life a little harder, I’ve had more time to think that I’ve never stopped to realise the impact that our podcasting, and talking, and campaigning has had over five years.

“Small chats really can save lives, small conversations can create ripples far beyond where we might see them, and seeds might grow where we’re never see their fruits.

“And there is something exciting and beautiful in that cycle of life.

“With this money hopefully more people will have more time with their loved ones.”