Ebury pays tribute to ‘inspirational’ Dame Deborah James after death, aged 40

Ebury has paid tribute to author and campaigner Dame Deborah James, who has died from cancer aged 40.

James’ family announced her death on Instagram on Tuesday (28th June), saying they were “deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy”.

“Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family,” the family said.  “Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.

“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.”

Before her death, James, who hosted the “You, Me and the Big C” podcast and was recently moved into hospice care, set up the Bowelbabe fund to support the work of Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK, the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden among other causes.

Ebury imprint Vermilion also brought forward the publication date of her second book How to Live When You Could Be Dead from January 2023 to 18th August 2022 when the author and campaigner revealed she did not have long left to live.

Samantha Jackson, editorial director at Vermilion, said: “​​We are incredibly sad about the passing of Dame Deborah James. Deborah’s determination to live life on her own terms in the face of death was an inspiration to us all.

"The awareness Deborah brought to bowel cancer has saved so many lives and we are truly honoured that Deborah entrusted us to publish her books, F*** You Cancer and the forthcoming How to Live When You Could Be Dead, which Deborah was working to complete very recently. Our thoughts are with her family."

How to Live When You Could Be Dead explores James’ passion for the growth mindset theory and how to be positive even when faced with life’s biggest challenge.

The publisher said that for every copy sold in the UK, £3 will go to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK. In the week the new publishing date was released How to Live When You Could Be Dead shot to the top of the Amazon Bestsellers list, ranking number 1 in books overall. It is now at number four in the overall ranking.