DAME Deborah James has thanked her followers for helping her to raise £1million through t-shirt sales alone.
Available in white, pink, navy and black, the tops are branded with the 40-year-old Sun writer’s motto ‘Rebellious Hope’.
The money raised will go towards the BowelBabe fund, which Debs set up to ‘help give more Deborah’s more time’.
So far the fund has raised over £6.7million with money going towards helping Cancer Research UK, the Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK.
Deborah said: “I’m blown away and beyond thankful for all the support that the public has shown in buying the t-shirts but also the the generosity of In the style to make it all happen.
“£1 million is far beyond the expectations we ever talked about at the beginning!
TO DONATE to the BowelBabe Fund visit www.bowelbabe.org
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“And it’s such a milestone that will make a massive impact for income into the BowelBabe foundation.”
When Debs first launched the white version of the t-shirt they were snapped up immediately.
Then to cater for demand she released a pink version and a black version with gold foil.
In order to push the total to £1million she last night announced a navy top, modelled by her dad Alistair.
Aside from the t-shirts, the mum-of-two also worked with In The Style to launch her very own fashion range.
In The Style founder Adam Frisby said he was “absolutely delighted that we have managed to raise over one million
pounds since announcing the collaboration with Dame Deborah”.
He added: “I am so thrilled for Deborah, being able to meet her today in person and present her with the news was a really momentous.
“Deborah was overwhelmed with happiness at how people have supported her and the collaboration and I’m incredibly proud we have been able to do this with her.”
Debs stopped treatment for her incurable bowel cancer – diagnosed in 2016 – at the start of May because her body could no longer cope.
After launching the fund, becoming a dame and even having a rose named after her, Debs has been making both memories and reaching milestones.
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage
Debs is now making the most of time with her two children, Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, who she shares with husband Seb.
The mum-of-two, who has incurable bowel cancer, last week said she is taking life “day-by-day” and at a much slower pace.
She is still tirelessly campaigning and virtually cheered those on who are taking part in the Race for Life.
And on Wednesday, she had an impromptu trip to Ascot with her brother and brother Benjamin James and his fiancé Ashley Hall.
She said: “Yesterday was really special as with a lot of effort and help I actually made it to @ascotracecourse once again.
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“I honestly have to pinch myself that I’ve been well enough each day to do something like this.
“Another favourite I’d had in mind and a fab milestone to say “ain’t dead yet,” she said.
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