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It is the one year anniversary of Dame Deborah James’ death, and celebrities including Lorraine have marked the occasion by celebrating her life and legacy.
The beloved campaigner, known by her social media handle Bowelbabe and as a presenter of the You, Me And The Big C podcast, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016 and spent the following years raising awareness and money.
She died aged 40 in 2022, but her impact is still felt today.
During her ITV show, Lorraine Kelly shared a heartfelt tribute after playing a clip from the charity single – Tell Me It’s Not True by Natalie Rushdie, which will be released on July 3 in her honour.
‘Today marks the first anniversary of her death, I can’t believe that was a year ago,’ Lorraine, 63, began.
Dame Deborah James died one year ago (Picture: Instagram/Dame Deborah James)
Lorraine remembered Dame Deborah James one year on (Picture: ITV)
Her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK has now raised over £11 million, which Lorraine applauded.
She continued: ‘There was a rose named in Deborah’s honour. It’s lovely to see so many of you sharing pictures of your roses that are all starting to bloom, which is a real symbol of hope and resilience. We miss her very very much.’
TV and radio personality Gaby Roslin, 58, took to Instagram to share some sweet words, and well-wishes to Dame Deborah’s loved ones.
‘A whole year. You will forever be in everyone’s hears and minds Debs. My love to the whole family.’
Gaby shared her love (Picture: Instagram/Gaby Roslin)
Dame Deborah’s mum Heather also penned a tribute on social media.
Part of it read: ‘The past 12 months have not been easy but we remember with immense pride and love the amazing impact she had on so many lives and the incredible legacy she has left.’
‘Deborah you always provided a challenge but it was your ability to put it in the right direction and communicate so brilliantly that made a difference.
‘As your brother said on the eve of your funeral – from the beginning you taught me how to live – you had that effect on far more people than you ever knew and that is why you were so loved and are now so missed – Deborah we love you for ever Xx,’ it concluded.
Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, 38, wrote her own special words in response to the touching essay.
‘My Deborah James roses have been growing in the garden and I think about you all whenever I take in their blooms. Sending so much love. Xxxx.’
Katie Piper, 39, added: ‘I often think about Deborah and all the good she did in this life. We have a lot to thank her for.’
‘I think about debs so often heather, you’re so right, she taught so many of us how to live and what a legacy ❤️ it’s a sadder world without her in it, I’m thinking of you all today,’ penned 28-year-old Emily Clarkson.
Musician Izzy Judd, 39, also marked the anniversary by playing strings for the charity single. She said it was an ‘absolute pleasure’ to be part of the ‘beautiful track’.
Dame Deborah was survived by husband Sebastien and children Hugo and Eloise.
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‘We miss her very very much.’