Deborah James' fund raises £11.3m as Cancer Research announces projects it's paid for
ok.co.ukDame Deborah James's Bowelbabe fund has raised a whooping £13.3 million for cancer research, it has been announced. Deborah, aged 40 when she tragically died last year, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35 and became an outspoken campaigner, encouraging people to check for signs of the deadly disease.The broadcaster launched her JustGiving page when she was given weeks to live last May, telling fans in an emotional post on the website that she was receiving end-of-life care and being looked after at her parents’ home in Surrey.
In just 24 hours, the fund raised over £1 million and donations continued pouring in as she campaigned tirelessly until the end of her life.
She was awarded a Damehood for her efforts, with Prince William visiting Deborah to hand deliver the honour. After Deborah's death, many more fans donated money in her memory.
On Wednesday, Cancer Research UK announced the initial research projects that will receive Bowelbabe funding. One study will look at laying the foundations for new precision treatment that could stop bowel cancer spread.
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