Dame Deborah James’ potentially lifesaving last words are being shared far and wide after it was announced that she has sadly died at age 40.
Tributes have been pouring celebrating the life of influential journalist, podcast host, and campaigner, Dame Deborah James – better known as the Bowel Babe – ever since the heartbreaking news broke that she had passed away on Wednesday following diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer back in 2016.
Dame Deborah announced back in early May this year that her cancer was terminal, and was to begin hospice-at-home palliative care.
Dame Deborah passed away “peacefully” surrounded by her family.
A statement confirming her passing shared by her loved ones on Instagram read: “Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
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“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the BowelBabe Fund.
“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.”
Since receiving the tragic news that her cancer was terminal, and setting up the BowelBabe Fund, Dame Deborah went on gone on to raise a whopping £6.9 million and counting for Cancer Research UK to raise awareness of bowel cancer and “fund clinical trials and research into personalised medicine for cancer patients”.
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In her final days, she also inspired leading toilet roll manufacturer Andrex, and retail giant M&S to partner with charity Bowel Cancer UK as part of the #GetOnARoll campaign and commit to adding the symptoms of bowel cancer and lifesaving information to millions of toilet roll packages stocked on shelves across the UK.
At the end of the statement confirming her passing, Dame Deborah’s last words were shared by her family in a short message – and they could potentially save millions of lives.
Dame Deborah said: “Find a life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets, and always, always have rebellious hope.
“And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.”
Bowel Cancer UK says almost half of adults in the UK can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer, despite it being the fourth most common cancer, and it says that knowing the symptoms, and acting on them, means that bowel cancer can be diagnosed earlier when it is more treatable and curable.
Fewer than 40% of people are diagnosed with bowel cancer at the earliest stages, and the charity says “we can change this and ultimately save more lives”.
We’re deeply saddened that our patron, @bowelbabe, has died, and our hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew and loved her. Deborah’s star shone bright; she was a true inspiration to so many. pic.twitter.com/Hf2aDATftZ
Bowel cancer is very treatable, but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, and people whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer has become more widespread.
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If you have any symptoms, Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging people not to be embarrassed and not to ignore them, as “doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems”.
Symptoms can include:
Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, and other health problems can cause similar symptoms – but if you have any of these, or if things just don’t feel right, you are advised to go to see your GP.
You may need to visit your doctor more than once if your symptoms don’t get better.
Find out more information on the Bowel Cancer UK website here.
A Salford student has made history as BBC Radio 1’s newest presenter
Danny Jones
A University of Salford student has made history after becoming the latest radio presenter for mainstream national station BBC Radio 1.
And he’s only 20 years old.
Matt Hallsworth from Harleston in Norfolk has become the first ever Salford student to sign a contract with the station whilst still studying, and is now set to join fellow alumni such as Vicky Hawkesworth and Katie Thistleton in working for the BBC’s biggest radio station.
If that isn’t hitting the ground running in your career, then we don’t know what is.
👏 We are delighted to share that BA Television and Radio Production student Matt Hallsworth has made history as our first current student to sign as a presenter for @BBCR1!
— School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology (@UoS_ArtsMedia) March 27, 2025
Set to host the spin-off online stream ‘Radio 1 Anthems’ – available via BBC’s digital Sounds platform, which hosts live and pre-recorded broadcasts, podcasts, music playlists and more – Hallsworth will be taking charge of several shows in the coming weeks.
The BA Television and Radio Production student, who is currently Head of Radio at the University’s in-house station Shock Radio, has already won a number of awards in his fledgling broadcast career and is now set to present a total of 16 shows through next month, starting from 8am on Tuesday, 2 April.
Matt has already had a glimpse of life at the BBC, having joined in as one of their Christmas Presenters back in December; he won the coveted slot after being crowned winner of ‘Best Presenter’ at last year’s Student Radio Awards (SRAs) and was the youngest out of a total 27 guest hosts that got the chance.
In addition to that accolade, he also collected the Gold Award for ‘Best Chart Show’ at the 2024 SRAs, with his on-air partner and fellow student Issy Brand also joining him in earning the title of ‘Best On-Air Team’ for the second year in a row in the International Student Broadcasting Championship.
Since then, he’s already enjoyed experience as a freelance presenter for nearby Hits Radio, working and is now the lead host officer for The Student Radio Association’s annual conference over in Salford.
Speaking on the unbelievable opportunity, the rising radio star said: “I am so excited to be joining the BBC Radio 1 Anthems family across April! Since the stream’s launch in October, it’s been evident the BBC is using it as a platform to nurture new presenters, and I feel thrilled to be able to join that.
“I was working on some university assignment work in January when I got the text and call from Aled [Hayden Jones, Head of Station at BBC Radio 1], with feedback from my Christmas show and offering the opportunity.
“The shows have the best playlists, full of songs that I grew up with, forgot about, and play anyway. I can’t wait for people to hear them.”
As for UoS‘s Programme Leader for BA TV and Radio Production, Louise Ready-Syrat, she says: “I’m hugely proud and pleased for Matt, he is such a lovely person and a huge talent that will be amazing in every capacity.
“Watching his development over his time with us on the BA Television and Radio Production course has been a privilege and a real inspiration to his fellow students.
“Always quick to help out on our Open Days, award shows and as Head of Shock Radio, he has proven himself to be a true professional and a genuinely great guy! Super pleased for him, he will smash this!”
Lyndon Saunders, Senior Lecturer and Subject Group Head for Broadcast Media, went on to add: “As soon as we heard Matt take to the student airwaves at Salford, we knew he would be snapped up by somebody big before too long. It’s just amazing to discover that he’s going national on BBC Radio 1.
“He’s so hard working, so determined, but so humble about his on air talent. I’ve worked with Matt in a producer capacity as well and he has an incredible work ethic – a gift for the journalism and storytelling side of radio too. In short, radio is in his veins, and we’re thrilled he’s making his dream a reality.”
You’ve done your department, Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole proud, Matt – we look forward to hearing you on the airwaves for years to come!
As far as universities go, UoS continues to be a brilliant proving ground for up-and-coming media talent.
Boy, 14, dies after e-scooter crash in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A teenage boy has died a week after a horror crash involving an e-scooter in Manchester.
An electric scooter with two 14-year-old riders was travelling through Wythenshawe when it collided with a car, coming to rest on a third vehicle.
Tragically, a week after the crash, one of the teenage boys has died from his injuries.
The other rider didn’t receive any serious or life-threatening injuries.
The collision occurred at a junction in the direction of Southmoor Road on 19 March at around 4pm.
Police are now investigating the incident and appealing for any witness to come forward.
Detective Constable Steven Pennington, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life following this collision and our condolences are with his family and friends.
“Our work into the circumstances of the collision is still ongoing and we continue to ask anyone with relevant information to please get in touch with us as we continue our work.”
The boy’s family are being supported by specialist officers as enquiries continue, and have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve their loss.
No arrests have been made.
GMP’s statement says: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage is asked to get in touch with officers.
“This can be done by contacting police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2263 of 19/03/25.
“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
29th June 2022 
