Deborah's legacy is more vital than ever

BOWEL cancer deaths are set to rise by 14% to top 19,000 a year by 2040, research from Dame Deborah James' Bowelbabe Fund reveals.

- Hanna Geissler

The UK's growing and ageing population means the number of patients diagnosed annually is on track to increase by more than a tenth to more than 47,000.

Analysis shows this would lead to around 2,500 more deaths each year.

The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was set up in May 2022 to continue the legacy of the broadcaster, who died of the disease aged 40 in June 2022.

Precious

At that stage it had raised more than £13million to combat bowel cancer. Some £10million is being divided between seven projects aiming to give patients more precious time with loved ones.

Her mum Heather James said: "Deborah improved the lives of so many when she was alive and, thanks to the generosity of the Fund's supporters, she will keep making a difference to the lives of many more for years to come. That is a true legacy.