Dame Deborah Jones has died aged 40 after a six-year battle with bowel cancer.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday 28 June, her family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
“Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund
“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
“And a few final things from Deborah…’find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.’”
On Monday 9 May, the campaigner announced she has been moved to hospice-at-home care. In a post on her social media channels, she said: “The time has come to say goodbye.”
Friends and followers commented on her post with messages of love and support, including podcast host Emily Clarkson, former Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown, burn survivor and campaigner Katie Piper OBE, and ITV presenter Susanna Reid.
Clarkson wrote: “I love you Deb, thank you for being a phenomenal friend and relentless inspiration”, while Reid said: “You are the most incredible person. Sending my love to you and your family.”
“You changed so many people’s lives, you’ve spread so much joy and kindness,” added Piper. “An everlasting impact.”
Educator-turned-cancer campaigner James never shied away from the realities of her disease, ever since she was first diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016, at the age of 35.
The podcast host worked ceaselessly to raise awareness around getting bowel cancer at a young age, through the Bowel Cancer UK charity’s Never Too Young campaign.
In the six years since her diagnosis, James ran marathons, organised a charity ball, and took part in numerous fundraising challenges between cancer treatments, successfully raising £60,000 for the charity by the time she was named a patron in February 2021.
She was beloved for her sincere and candid approach to talking about her experience of living with the disease. Her frank discussions with co-hosts Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland on the award-winning podcast You, Me and the Big C resonated with hundreds of thousands of listeners across the UK.
No cancer-related topic was off limits in James’ podcast discussions and her online column for The Sun, Things Cancer Made Me Say. From the brutal effects that chemotherapy had on her body to near-death experiences, to celebrating her body in spite of internet trolls, James’ distinct voice paved the way for difficult, funny and intimate conversations about cancer.
James wrote in her social media posts on Monday 9 May that this was “the message I never wanted to write”, but added that she was surrounded by her “incredible family”. James was married to Pomona Capital banker Sebastien Bowen, with whom she shared two children, 14-year-old Hugo and 12-year-old Eloise.
In her post, she added: “Nobody knows how long I’ve got left.
“I know we have left no stone unturned. But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore.”
My whole family are around me and we will dance through this together, sunbathing and laughing at every possible moment!
