Dame Deborah James: A one-woman fundraising machine
On June 29, the world lost an inspirational fundraiser, campaigner, and influencer in Dame Deborah James. She passed away at the age of 40 after stopping active treatment for bowel cancer.
In 2016, the former headteacher was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. Following her diagnosis, she started a blog and social media account under the handle @bowelbabe, where she spoke candidly about her experiences with the illness.
She also wrote a regular column in The Sun, penned a book called F*** You Cancer: How to Face the Big C, Live Your Life and Still Be Yourself, co-hosted the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C, and raised millions for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Bowel Cancer UK, and Cancer Research UK.
Fundraising Queen
Deborah underwent more than a dozen operations, and multiple rounds of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the years. But through it all, she pushed herself to run marathons and take part in a host of challenges to raise awareness and money for bowel cancer charities.
One of her final acts was to launch the Bowelbabe Fund, a JustGiving page with which she aimed to raise money to fund clinical trials and research into new bowel cancer treatments.
On the page, she wrote: “All I ask is that next time you pop for a coffee or grab a drink with a friend, please consider donating the cost of one extra for me.”
The fund surpassed £1m in less than 24 hours, smashing her initial goal of £250,000.
Her incredible fundraising efforts saw her receive a damehood from Prince William.
What inspired so many people to donate?
Dame Deborah inspired us with her incredible zest for life, despite facing her own mortality. She refused to let cancer define her and enjoyed every day, whether she was dancing at home with her kids or cracking jokes from a hospital bed.
Her indomitable spirit, coupled with her infectious sense of fun endeared her to millions and inspired us to donate over seven million pounds.
As Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said following her death, “Dame Deborah James has left an incredible legacy and changed the national conversation around cancer. These figures reflect the powerful and lifesaving impact she has had – inspiring countless people across the country to get informed, get checked, and speak up”.
Final Word
Dame Deborah James was a phenomenal fundraiser who touched many people’s lives. If you’re inspired by her story and want to make your mark in the charity sector as a fundraiser, give us a call on 0203 750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk.