Deborah James

The family came out of St Mary's Church in Barnes in silence and bowed their heads before leaving for a private wake, as Dame Deborah's coffin was driven away ...

I am incredibly proud of us.’ In recognition of her incredible efforts, she received a Damehood, and received a visit from Prince William, who also paid tribute following her death, along with his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. It read: ‘Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. ‘The woman who had the most outrageous cackle, the woman who would show up to recordings disheveled, and the twinkle in her eye. She had charted her cancer journey on her Instagram account as well as her podcast; You, Me and the Big C alongside Steve Bland and Lauren Mahon and, in the final weeks of her life, raised more than £6million for Cancer Research UK. Lorraine, who was close with James and worked with her on a campaign surrounding bowel cancer on her show, was seen arriving at the church dressed in all black as she prepared to pay her respects.

Dame Deborah's husband Sebastien and son Hugo were among those who carried the wicker coffin, adorned with the rose that bears her name, into St Mary's Church ...

In her final months, the presenter of the BBC podcast You, Me And The Big C raised almost £7 million for cancer research, with the amount climbing further following her death. An attached note said: “Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. Dame Deborah’s husband Sebastien and son Hugo were among those who carried the wicker coffin, adorned with the rose that bears her name, into St Mary’s Church in Barnes on Wednesday afternoon.

The podcast host, who became known as Bowelbabe, died last month aged 40 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. | ITV News London.

She was made a dame for her “tireless” work improving awareness of the disease, with the honour conferred by the Duke of Cambridge, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne at home. An attached note said: “Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. In her final months, the presenter of the BBC podcast You, Me And The Big C raised almost £7 million for cancer research, with the amount climbing further following her death. Dame Deborah, a former deputy headteacher, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and subsequently kept her nearly one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments. Her husband and son were among those who carried the wicker coffin, adorned with the rose that bears her name, into St Mary’s Church in Barnes on Wednesday afternoon. After the service, the family left the church with bowed heads for a private wake, while Dame Deborah’s coffin was carried away by car.

The cancer campaigner died last month, six years after her diagnosis.

A note attached to the wreath said: “Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. The wicker coffin was adorned with a rose that bore James’ name. James died at the age of 40 last month after a six-year battle with bowel cancer.

Members of her family carried flowers and a picture of the cancer campaigner into the church in west London.

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. A note attached to the flowers said: “Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.