BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Nina Warhurst have paid tribute to Dame Deborah James after she passed away from bowel cancer.

The podcaster sadly died aged 40 on Tuesday June 28 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago, which she documented in great detail on her BBC podcast, You Me and the Big C.

Paying tribute to their late colleague, Jon Kay and Nina Warhurst honoured her achievements on Wednesday morning's programme – from her cancer campaigning to raising more than £6 million for cancer research.

They began by airing a heartfelt video package which included her final message, which ended with some candid advice for everyone to follow.

Nina said: "That's such an important message, that, isn't it? Check your poo. Don't be embarrassed to talk about it, and it could save your life."

The presenters then proceeded to show a number of tributes from figures such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Adele Roberts, and NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard.

Jon said: "That message you were talking about, we know, has already saved lives and made a difference to loads of families."

Nina added: "Yeah, and someone like her sharing the message in the way she has, it's different to a pamphlet coming through your door from the NHS. Much more impact."

The breakfast show proceeded to play Deborah's last TV interview with BBC reporter Graham Satchell, which happened after she was moved to end of life care.

Jon said: "It's incredible to think how much she did and achieved even since that was recorded."

A smiling Nina nodded in agreement as Jon went on: "I mean even at her lowest point she was still making appearances and publishing stuff, her book and fundraising. Unbelievable."

Nina added: "For millions of pounds. Meeting a future king. Packed a lot in."

Jon added: "I know. She really did."

Deborah, who was also known as Bowelbabe, passed away peacefully in her parents' home, surrounded by her family.

The fundraiser and campaigner mum-of-two was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2016 and was told she wouldn't live beyond five years – but she then beat this milestone in 2021.

She was awarded with a damehood by Prince William in May after the future king visited her at her parents' home.

Her family confirmed her passing with a touching post on her Instagram page, and finished on an important message from Deborah, which read: "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.”

Deborah leaves behind her children Hugo, 14, Eloise, 12, and her husband, Sebastien.

To donate to Deborah's Cancer Research UK fund, click the link here.

READ NEXT:

• Deborah James dies aged 40 after bowel cancer battle and heroic £6.7m fundraising
• Five warning signs of bowel cancer as Dame Deborah James dies age 40
• Dame Deborah James' inspiring life from spreading awareness to raising £6million as she dies age 40
• ‘Thank you Dame Deborah James, I had stage 3 bowel cancer but you saved my life’

• Andy Murray's wife Kim shows support to Deborah James in charity T-shirt at Wimbledon

Source: Read Full Article