Prince William hails 'incredible milestone' as Bowelbabe Fund launched by Dame Deborah James passes £20m
Prince William has praised the "amazing legacy" left by the late Dame Deborah James after her Bowelbabe Fund passed the £20 million milestone.
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Issuing a personal message, the Prince of Wales wrote on Instagram: "What an incredible milestone and an amazing legacy.
"Deborah is in our thoughts today, as are all those who loved her. W."
The fundraiser, which supports Cancer Research UK, promotes cutting‑edge research and raises awareness of bowel cancer.
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It was launched in May 2022 with an initial target of £250,000. You, Me And The Big C podcast host Dame Deborah was given a damehood for her fundraising efforts, which soared into the millions.
The honour was personally conferred by William, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne while she was receiving hospice-at-home care.
She died in June 2022 at the age of 40.
Announcing the £20 million moment on Instagram, Dame Deborah’s parents Heather and Alistair said they were “thrilled” as they expressed their thanks to everyone who had supported the fund.
Speaking last May, Heather said her daughter left an "amazing legacy" of encouraging young people to "talk about their poo".
The mother called the Dame a "force of nature" and praised her efforts in spreading awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms, particularly among young people.
Speaking that same week, the King repeated some of Dame Deborah's final words at a reception at Buckingham Palace.
Charles hailed the late Dame Deborah as an inspiration, quoting her final message and encouraging everyone to follow her example: "Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope."
