EVEN in death, Dame Deborah James’ light continues to shine bright. It’s been two years since her loved ones have been able to feel her physical touch, hear her laugh and listen to her bark ‘ Check your poo ’ at anyone who would listen. Yet, everyday they are reminded of the brave, sequin-clad, fearless cancer campaigner - and are inspired by her legacy.
Sun columnist Dame Debs died on June 28, 2022, five years and seven months after she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer . The Bowelbabe Fund that she established five days after returning to her parents’ home in Woking to die now stands at a staggering £16million. “It’s a testament to her incredible spirit, her fierce campaigning and drive to make a difference that she continues to have such an impact in death,” her parents Heather, 66, and Alistair, 68, tell The Sun on the second anniversary.
“We are incredibly proud of everything she achieved in her short life and the fact that she continues to help save lives.” The 40-year-old died holding her husband Sebastien’s hand and feeling his kiss on her head. “I told her how much I loved her, that I would look after the kids and the last thing I said to her was that I was so proud of her,” Seb, now 44, told The Sun at the time.
“Then she slipped away.” Dame Debs’ parents Heather and Alistair and siblings Sarah, 40, and Ben, 33, were also by her side, with Wimbledon on in the background. “I felt a wave of relief when she died,” says Heather.
