I will die with a massive smile and a big glass of champagne after raising millions for charity, says Deborah James
DAME Deborah James yesterday said she’d had “the most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days” of her life — as her fundraiser hit £5.9million.
The hero cancer campaigner also said she was getting “weaker and more tired”, but vowed to go out “with a massive smile, no regrets and a big glass of champagne”.
Straight-talking Deborah, 40, is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer.
She has captured hearts and inspired millions with her Sun columns and BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C.
After raising millions for cancer charities in the last week, she was presented with a damehood by Prince William at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, on Friday.
Yesterday, she wrote on Instagram: “I believe I may have had the most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days of my life.
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“I cannot thank you for your generosity at launching the Bowelbabe Fund and to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for going above and beyond to make a very special memory happen yesterday.
“Can’t quite believe I’m actually a Dame! My family are being amazing and as emotional as it all is, we are finding so much to smile about in the sadness.
“I may be getting weaker and more tired each day, having run off pure adrenaline, but my word, I always said I wanted to slide in sideways when my time is up, with a massive smile, no regrets and a big glass of champagne! Still my intention!!!”
Mum-of-two Deborah revealed on Monday that she would no longer receive active treatment.
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In a heartbreaking post she said medics had tried everything but her body “simply isn’t playing ball”, adding: “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. My body is so emaciated that I have no choice but to surrender to the inevitable.”
Despite her condition, Deborah was determined to give her campaigning one final push and launched the Bowelbabe Fund to raise £250,000 for Cancer Research UK, The Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK.
She is now 2,356 per cent over her target.
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Prince William and Kate were among donors.
They tweeted: “Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life and tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people.