News
Deborah James’ Bowelbabe charity fund raises a huge £11.3m
It raised £3.5m in less than a week
The charity fundraiser Bowelbabe, set up by campaigner Dame Deborah James, who died last year, has raised £11.3m for cancer research.
The Bowelbabe Fund was set up in May 2022 with an initial goal to reach £250,000 to support Cancer Research UK. It raised £3.5m in less than a week, with the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also donating.
A month later, in June, Dame Deborah passed away from terminal bowel cancer, at the age of 40. Cancer Research UK says the funds would go to new projects aimed at advancing research into the disease.
Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35 and became an ardent campaigner, encouraging people to check for signs of the deadly disease.
Dame Deborah’s husband, Sebastien Bowen, said: “I’m immensely proud and humbled to continue the work that Deborah started.
“As a family, we’ve been overwhelmed by all the support the fund has received, and to raise £11.3 million is just incredible.
“We’ve taken some time to select the first round of funded projects, and are pleased to announce them today.
“There is some fantastic, cutting-edge bowel cancer research and brilliant awareness activity taking place, and we know that Deborah would be behind this every step of the way.”
Chief executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Dame Deborah James was a force of nature, doing all she could to raise awareness, fundraise and campaign.
“The overwhelming support the fund has received is a true testament to how many lives she touched.
“We’re deeply honoured to be working with Deborah’s family to continue her legacy through the Bowelbabe Fund and are grateful to everyone who has donated.
“The fund will be fuelled by Deborah’s spirit of rebellious hope, and the projects announced today are the first step in continuing Dame Deborah’s legacy to bring hope for a better future for people affected by cancer.”