ST Mary's hospice has paid tribute to Dame Deborah James, calling her 'a truly inspirational lady.'

Deborah James has raised the profile of hospice care in the months preceding her death yesterday from bowel cancer at just 40 years old. 

St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston supports patients in the last stages of their life. 

Sarah Simpson, communications manager for St Mary's Hospice, said: "We are very sorry to hear the sad news about Dame Deborah James. Deborah is a truly inspirational lady who has worked tirelessly fundraising, raising awareness, championing hospice care and encouraging more people to get the support they need.

"Deborah has opened up conversations about death, dying, wishes and living life to the full." 

Ms Simpson said Dame Deborah had shown hospice care 'wasn't just for old people' and that people of any age may have to seek help.

A service that Ms Simpson wanted to highlight was St Mary's Hospice at home care service, which Dame Deborah used.

"Deborah was supported to die through hospice at home care, enabling her to be in the comfort and familiarity of her own home," said Ms Simpson.

"St Mary's Hospice is here to enable that choice. We offer end of life care on our eight bedded inpatient unit in Ulverston, and through our hospice at home service."

Dame Deborah James was a teacher who became a journalist and an activist after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)

She initially wrote a blog for The Sun before setting up a popular podcast on the BBC called You, Me and the Big C. She received a Dameship in recognition of her fundraising efforts. 

She was known for her no-nonsense style, wearing poo outfits to interviews and asking people to check their stools. 

After going off active treatment in May, she launched a fund called Bowelbabe to raise money for research into personalised medicine for cancer patients. 

Her fund has raised almost £7m.  

In an Instagram post, her family said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy."