Prince William and Kate
Middleton have shared a rare personal tribute to Deborah James following
news that the BBC star has entered hospice care.
On Monday evening, the
40-year-old presenter of the podcast You, Me And The Big C, known to
many as Bowel Babe, told followers she does not know “how long I’ve
got left” in a heartbreaking message.
“Every now and then,
someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life &
tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special
people,” Prince William and Duchess Kate shared on
Wednesday evening.
“Her tireless efforts to
raise awareness of bowel cancer & end the stigma of treatment are
inspiring. We are so sad to hear of her recent update but pleased to support
the @bowelbabef, which will benefit the @royalmarsdenNHS among others.”
The pair concluded:
“Deborah, our thoughts are with you, your family and your friends. Thank
you for giving hope to so many who are living with cancer.”
They signed off with the
initials “W&C” which confirmed it was sent directly by the two
royals.
The pair have also made an
anonymous donation to Deborah’s Cancer Research fund which so far has
raised over £3 million. Deborah has been treated at the Royal Marsden hospital,
of which William is a patron, and it is one of the beneficiaries of her fund.
Deborah was diagnosed with
stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 and since then has kept her followers up to date
with her treatments in candid posts about her progress and diagnosis.
Her latest post read:
“The message I never wanted to write. We have tried everything, but my
body simply isn’t playing ball. My active care has stopped and I am now moved
to hospice at-home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus
is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.
“Nobody knows how long
I’ve got left but I’m not able to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most
things I took for granted are pipe dreams.”
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Deborah has entered hospice care
She added: “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.”
Sharing links to various
cancer charities, Deborah poignantly concluded: “Right now for me, it’s all
about taking it a day at a time, step by step, and being grateful for another
sunrise.
“My whole family are around me and we will dance through this together,
sunbathing and laughing (I’ll cry!!) at every possible moment! You are all
incredible, thank you for playing your part in my journey. No regrets. Enjoy
life x Deborah.”
