Dame Deborah James’ brother, Ben, recently got married to his long-term girlfriend, Ashley, after receiving a nudge from Prince William. This event occurred just weeks before Deborah’s tragic passing at the age of 40 in June 2022. Despite knowing that she wouldn’t live to see the wedding, Deborah joyfully shared the news of Ben and Ashley’s engagement with her followers. The couple had been together for 11 years, and Prince William reportedly questioned Ben about why he hadn’t proposed earlier. Deborah’s mother, Heather, expressed her pride and joy at the wedding, even though Deborah and another loved one were no longer present. Deborah had been a dedicated campaigner for bowel cancer awareness, founding the Bowelbabe research fund and hosting the ‘You, Me And The Big C’ podcast.
Deborah’s final days were filled with love and happiness as she celebrated Ben and Ashley’s engagement with an impromptu party. Despite her sadness at not being able to witness the wedding, she expressed her admiration for Ashley and her excitement about gaining a sister-in-law. Deborah’s close friend and singer, Natalie Rushdie, released a track titled ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ to raise money for the Bowelbabe fund following Deborah’s death. The song received support from Prince William, who praised Deborah’s inspiring legacy and the impact she had on raising awareness about bowel cancer. Deborah’s parents commended Kate Middleton for sharing her cancer diagnosis and emphasized the importance of hope and positivity, values that Deborah stood for throughout her battle with cancer.
Prince William’s support for the Bowelbabe campaign and Ben’s marriage to Ashley were significant milestones that marked Deborah’s lasting impact on her community and beyond. Deborah’s dedication to raising awareness about bowel cancer, even in the face of her own struggle with the disease, inspired countless individuals and saved many lives. Her family and friends continue to honor her memory by carrying on her advocacy work and spreading awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment for bowel cancer. Deborah’s parents expressed their gratitude for the support and love they have received from the community, and they remain hopeful that Deborah’s legacy will continue to make a positive impact on others.
Deborah’s legacy as a passionate advocate for bowel cancer awareness lives on through the Bowelbabe research fund and the impactful work of her family and friends. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Deborah remained resilient and hopeful, embodying the spirit of rebellious hope that inspired those around her. Through her unwavering positivity and determination, Deborah was able to create a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals, offering support and guidance to those facing similar challenges. Her memory serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer, reminding them to never lose sight of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The celebration of Ben and Ashley’s wedding served as a poignant reminder of Deborah’s enduring legacy and the love and joy she brought to those around her. Deborah’s influence reached far beyond her immediate circle, touching the lives of many individuals who were inspired by her courage and resilience. Her family and friends continue to honor her memory by advocating for cancer awareness and supporting those affected by the disease. Deborah’s spirit lives on through their actions, ensuring that her legacy remains a source of hope and inspiration for years to come. The impact of her advocacy work and her dedication to raising awareness about bowel cancer will continue to make a difference in the lives of many people, offering support and guidance to those in need.
