Deborah James honoured with Damehood days after sharing end of life news

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Deborah James has been honoured with a Damehood amid her tragic battle with bowel cancer.

The BBC broadcaster, 40, has raised a whopping £3.6million after revealing she was in a hospice and using end-of-life care.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and has been heavily involved in charity work to raise funds for cancer research over the last few years.

Known as Bowel Babe online, Deborah set up a Just Giving page as she's campaigned to raise awareness for bowel cancer during her own battle with the terminal disease.

The campaigner admitted she was "blown away" and feels "honoured" to be recognised for her achievements with a Damehood.

She told The Sun: "OMFG, this is crazy."

Deborah added: "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".

It comes after Prince William and Kate Middleton donated to Deborah's cancer research project.

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The royal couple have said their thoughts are with Deborah and her family after donating an undisclosed amount to the podcast host’s fundraising initiative.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took to Twitter on Wednesday (May 11) to express their admiration for Deborah’s hard work during her lifetime.

They tweeted: "Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life & tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people. Her tireless efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer & end the stigma of treatment are inspiring.

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"We are so sad to hear her recent update but pleased to support the @bowelbabe, which will benefit the @royalmarsdenNHS, among others. Deborah, our thoughts are with you, your family and your friends. Thank you for giving hope to so many who are living with cancer. W & C."

It was on Monday evening (May 9) that Deborah announced she was in hospice care at home and that she is spending her final days surrounded by her nearest and dearest.

In just a matter of days, the mum has gone on to raise millions for her cause, having surpassed £1m in less than 24 hours.

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Deborah said the news had made her feel “utterly loved” whilst appearing on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday (May 11) morning,

She added: "It makes me feel like we’re all kind of in it at the end together and we all want to make a difference."

Deborah also said that her dying wish was to help raise money for the "things that gave me life".

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