Deborah James 'incredibly honoured' after being given a damehood by the Queen
13.05.2022 - 00:45
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Broadcaster turned cancer campaigner Deborah James has been given a damehood by the Queen - days after she revealed she was "saying goodbye" following a years-long battle with bowel cancer.
The 40-year-old TV presenter has been given the honour after inspiring millions across the country and raising huge sums of cash for charity.
A statement issued by Downing Street on Thursday evening confirmed: "The Queen has been pleased to approve that the honour of Damehood be conferred upon Deborah James."
Following the No.10 announcement James told The Sun, where she is a columnist: "I don’t know what to say. I’m blown away and feel incredibly honoured.
“I don’t feel like I deserve this. I can’t tell you what this means to my family, it’s so much to take in.”
On Monday, James revealed that she was receiving end-of-life care at home after her body "gave up" in the fight against bowel cancer.
The mum-of-two wrote on Twitter: "The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.
"It has been 5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easier.
"I’m under hospice at home care, & I’m spending my time surrounded by my family. Please buy me a wine to see me out and raise vital funds."
She said that her body 'simply isn't playing ball' as she shared another devastating update.
Deborah added: "The message I never wanted to write. We have tried everything, but my body simply isn’t playing ball.
"My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.
"Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not unable to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we