Dame Deborah James' father, Alistair James, has spoken about how the family is coping four years after her death, saying her two children are "growing up wonderfully."
Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday, November 4, Alistair spoke to Sarah Campbell and Jon Kay about the legacy of his daughter, who died from bowel cancer in June 2022 at the age of 40, weeks after Prince William presented her with her Damehood.
A Family's Tribute
Deborah had been an avid bowel cancer advocate following her own stage 4 diagnosis at the age of 35. In her final years, she set up the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, which has raised over £17m for clinical trials, personalised medicine, and cancer awareness.
Speaking about her children, Hugo and Eloise, whom she shared with her husband Sebastien, Alistair said: "The children are growing up wonderfully; they're making their lives, which is as it should be. We all remember her, we are at events which remember her all the time. But, as she would say, 'Live your life, don't let your life stop because of me'."
Continuing Her Legacy
Alistair touched on the impact his daughter still has today, adding: "We mourn Deborah, of course; every day is sad when you think about her. But we also celebrate her life, and it's wonderful for us to have this opportunity to still spread her legacy and spread a message to people."
He continued: "She was an incredible character, as many people know. It's amazing when you step back as a family we'll be at the five-year celebration of the Bowlbabe Fund being created next May, and she still has an impact and people still hear her words."
New NHS Blood Test Trials
Alistair was invited onto the programme to discuss new NHS blood test trials, which could give an early warning of some of the most common cancers. Sarah explained to viewers that the test, which uses AI to help analyse results, could help to spot cancers of the pancreas, ovaries, stomach and bowel.
Although 20,000 patients are being invited to have their blood tested, it will only be available to those over the age of 45 who are already experiencing abdominal symptoms.
Speaking about the new trials, Alistair added: "Yes, there are major changes going on, but it still echoes, 'Be your own advocate, see and listen to what your body's doing'. You can speak for yourself with help from your doctors, and hopefully these new tests will narrow down the changes as it helps."
BBC Breakfast is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
