Prince William praises £20m milestone for Bowelbabe Fund
The Bowelbabe Fund, established by Dame Deborah James to support cancer research, has reached an "incredible milestone" by raising £20 million. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, expressed his admiration for the fund's success after it surpassed this significant amount.
Launched in May 2022 shortly before Dame Deborah passed away from bowel cancer, the fund achieved this milestone in under four years. It initially aimed to raise £250,000.
In an Instagram message, Prince William praised the "amazing legacy" of Dame Deborah, who was from Woking, Surrey, writing:
"Deborah is in our thoughts today, as are all those who loved her."
Dame Deborah's mother, Heather James, commented on the achievement, saying:
"Deborah would be absolutely over the moon if she were here today to see this."
Heather James also highlighted her daughter's dedication to cancer research:
"She was so passionate about supporting research that would help give more people affected by cancer more time with their loved ones."
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Dame Deborah's father, Alistair James, reflected on the fund's success:
"She set this up in the last few weeks of her life and if she knew we had managed £20.5m even Deborah with her energy probably wouldn't believe what happened."
A spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, which benefits from the fund, stated that the money raised has supported 16 research projects. Among these is a "Bowelbabe vaccine" designed to enhance immunity against bowel cancer.
'True testament to Deborah's legacy'
Dame Deborah, known for hosting the You, Me And The Big C podcast, was honoured with a damehood for her fundraising efforts. Her campaign raised over £1 million within the first 24 hours.
The honour was personally bestowed by Prince William, who joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne while she was receiving hospice-at-home care. Dame Deborah died in June 2022 at the age of 40.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, remarked on the milestone:
"Reaching this £20m milestone is a true testament to Deborah's incredible legacy.
Thanks to research, more than half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK will survive the disease.
But there is still much more to do."
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