ITV's Lorraine Kelly fights back tears as she pays emotional tribute to 'incredible friend' Deborah James
29.06.2022 - 13:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Lorraine Kelly has paid an emotional tribute to her 'incredible friend' and cancer campaigner Deborah James who passed away on Tuesday (June 28). Deborah, also known as the Bowel Babe, was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016 and bravely fought the disease for five years.
The 40-year-old podcast host campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of bowel cancer and was recently honoured with a damehood by Prince William for her remarkable fundraising efforts. Deborah raised more than £6.8 million for Cancer Research UK through her Bowelbabe fund on Just Giving after announcing she was receiving end of life care in May.
Presenter Lorraine dedicated her breakfast show to her friend Deborah, showing a montage of clips of the mum-of-two being interviewed on the ITV show, her fundraising efforts, interviews and tributes that have flooded in from her friends and loved ones.
READ MORE:'Take risks, love deeply and have no regrets' - Dame Deborah James' inspiring final message
Starting the show on Tuesday, Lorraine said: "We are starting with the very sad news that our friend the inspirational Dame Deborah James has died aged 40. She died peacefully surrounded by her family.
"Her final inspirational message posted on Instagram read 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo - it could just save your life."
A montage of footage then played narrated with a voiceover by Lorraine, showing videos and pictures of the Bowel Babe during her battle with cancer. Emotional clips showed Deborah alongside her family and friends, as well as her inspirational campaigning efforts to raise money for the cause.
After the heartbreaking montage