‘Time to say goodbye’ – Terminally ill BBC presenter knighted by Royals


Deborah James, at a reception in 2019. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, when she was just 35
Which: photo alliance / www.piqtured.com
Her fate is moving Britons: Five years ago Deborah James was diagnosed with cancer, now the 40-year-old TV star is set to die. Before that, she made a last wish for her compatriots – and received a very special visit.
DThis news is shocking and has been making headlines in Britain for days: “I never meant to write this tweet. The time has come to say goodbye. Five years of preparation does not make things any easier. I am in palliative care and I spend my time surrounded by my family” – With these words BBC presenter Deborah James announced on May 9 that she had lost her battle with cancer.
The 40-year-old mother-of-two has been open about her condition since she was first diagnosed with cancer – colon cancer – particularly on social media and through her blog Bowelbabe, she made a name for himself with his battle against the disease.
As a sort of legacy, James has now launched a fundraising campaign which has been a resounding success: in a short time, James has already raised four million pounds (4.7 million euros) for cancer research (to Friday morning).
A performance that also called the Queen onto the stage. The 96-year-old monarch has named James a “lady”. The British government announced it on Thursday evening.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Queen’s grandson Prince William and his wife Duchess Kate had previously met voiced. They also made a donation to the Bowelbabe Fund, acknowledging the mother-of-two’s dedication.
“If an honor was ever deserved, this is it,” Johnson said, speaking from the hearts of many Britons. “Deborah is an inspiration, and her honesty, warmth and courage are a sign of strength to many people.”
Deborah James was happy with the high visit to her Instagram account
Source: dpa
A day later, the British media then released another photo: it showed Prince William alongside Deborah James, both sitting together in the garden. The prince was said to have insisted on giving James his order personally. “Prince William was welcome to visit us today!” James later wrote on his Instagram account. She added: “I am very honored that he joined us for afternoon tea and champagne (…)”.
James has one more wish
It is rare for the Queen to make someone a lady or a knight on short notice. Honors are usually announced at set times. The “Birthday Honors” in honor of the Queen’s birthday are scheduled for early June.
Deborah James couldn’t live the celebrations anymore, as she openly admitted: she was no longer in therapy, her body just wasn’t responding to treatments anymore, she said in a phone interview, according to the “DailyMail”. She now receives palliative care from her family and from her parents. James and her husband are themselves parents of two children, Hugo (14) and Eloïse (12).
However, she still has goals, James said: she hopes her fundraiser will bring in over £5million.