Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for JW Marriott Grosvenor House London

Deborah James, who racked up over a million followers on her Instagram profile Bowel Babe, has sadly died.

The 40-year-old from London was diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago and her story was followed by thousands online.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy,” her family wrote in a devastating Instagram post on Tuesday (June 28th).

“Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family,” they continued before calling her an “inspiration” who “touched so many lives”.

The cancer campaigner, podcaster and columnist was honoured with a damehood last month after launching a Just Giving page called the Bowelbabe Fund which has raised almost £7 million for Cancer Research UK.

If you want to add to the fundraiser, there are more ways to do it then just tapping donate online, including buying a t-shirt or a rose named after Deborah. Read on to find out more…

In May, a new white rose variety was presented at the Chelsea Flower Shoe named after Deborah.

Introduced by World of Roses and bred by The Harkness Rose Company, the white rose is called a floribunda and has a subtle “ballet slipper” pink centre.

“I actually cried when they asked me if they could name a rose after me,” the 40-year-old wrote on Instagram. “Roses are my favourite flowers and I hope this one will brighten the smiles for all!”

She also explained a little bit about the rose, saying it is “repeat flowering from early June to the first frosts” and has “dark green, glossy foliage” which is “suitable for beds, borders or large patio containers”.

The Dame Deborah James Rose, which is easy to grow and performs well in all gardens, retails at £16.99 and £2.50 from each sale goes to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.

It’s available to pre-order online now from Harkness Roses and World of Roses but won’t be despatched until mid-November.

If roses aren’t your thing, you could also buy one of Deborah’s oversized white t-shirts with feature her famous slogan “rebellious hope” and retail at £15.

Five weeks before her death, the Instagram star announced that she had been working on a clothing collection with InTheStyle.

The full collection, which she said includes “floral dresses” isn’t available yet, but the t-shirt is available here with all proceeds going straight to the Bowelbabe Fund.

“I’m so excited to finally be able to share (at least part) of a project I’ve been working on for several months now,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself wearing the t-shirt. 

“@inthestyle have kindly agreed with me to release a limited edition exclusive T-shirt in aid of @bowelbabefund which is available to order via the @inthestyle app NOW,” the campaigner continued. 

After being told that her cancer journey was nearing its end, Deborah set up a Just Giving babe called the Bowelbabe Fund to raise money for Cancer Research UK. 

As of June 29th, the fund has raised £6.8 million and the 40-year-old was honoured with a damehood after launching the fundraiser.

“I always knew there was one thing I wanted to do before I died. I have always over the years raised as much awareness and money for the charities that are closest to me,” she wrote on Instagram. 

“As a result, the @bowelbabefund is being established and I’d love nothing more than for you to help it flourish,” the 40-year-old continued before urging people to “by [her] a drink” by donating.

All of the money will go to Cancer Research UK to raise funds for further life saving research into cancer “to give more Deborah’s more time”. 

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