WESTMINSTER showered Dame Deborah James with heartfelt tributes today in a rare and moving Commons display of unity.
Dominic Raab opened PMQs with a touching salute to the inspirational campaigner, who died of bowel cancer aged 40 yesterday.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: "I know that the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of Dame Deborah James following the news of her death.
"I lost my own father to cancer and know the pain her family will feel.
"Dame Deborah was an inspiration to so many and raised millions to help others affected by cancer."
Dame Debs raised raised £6.7 million for cancer research in the final weeks of her life.
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Angela Rayner joined Mr Raab in hailing Deborah a hero who will be sorely missed.
The Deputy Labour Leader said: "I also share with the Deputy Prime Minister his deepest condolences and his personal experience as we mourn the loss of Dame Deborah James.
"Her campaign inspired many and I'm absolutely sure there's no doubt that she saved the lives of many more."
An emotional post on her Instagram account informed thousands of followers that Deborah passed away “peacefully” and “surrounded by family”.
The mum of two was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
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Ian Blackford joined Ms Rayner and Mr Raab in paying tribute to Deborah during PMQs.
The SNP Leader said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this trying time.
"We thank her for all that she has done to raise money."
After learning she would receive at home end of life care in May this year, Deborah started the Bowelbabe fund.
The millions it has raised will help to fund life-changing clinical trials and research.
Yesterday Boris Johnson joined Deborah's legion of admirers around the world paying tribute to the Sun columnist.
He said: "I'm terribly saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James has died.
"What an inspiration she was to so many. The awareness she brought to bowel cancer and the research her campaigning has funded will be her enduring legacy.
"Because of her, many many lives will be saved."
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