In a deeply moving television debut, Eloise James, the teenage daughter of the late bowel cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James, has opened up about keeping her mother's memory and spirit alive.
A Mother's Enduring Presence
Eloise, now 15, appeared on ITV's Lorraine alongside her grandmother Heather James to discuss Deborah's incredible legacy. Eloise was just 12 years old when she lost her mother in June 2022 after Dame Deborah's courageous five-year battle with bowel cancer.
Speaking emotionally about the approaching Christmas period, Eloise explained how her mother remains a constant presence in her life. "I think someone doesn't leave your life until you lose their memory," she told Lorraine. "You always have her memory. Over Christmas we think of her."
"She's there with me at Christmas because she loved holidays, that was her thing," Eloise continued, highlighting her mother's particular enthusiasm for Halloween. "As long as I keep that alive, she's always with me."
Continuing a Life-Saving Legacy
The interview also served to promote the ongoing No Butts bowel campaign, now in its fifth year, which continues Dame Deborah's mission to raise awareness about bowel cancer symptoms and save lives.
Heather James revealed the extraordinary success of the campaign, announcing that over £19 million has been raised towards groundbreaking scientific research. "It was so eye opening and the money you've [all] helped us raise, it's going to that research, it's what Deborah wanted," Heather stated. "That's what we continue to do."
Eloise, who has an older brother Hugo aged 17, confirmed she is proudly continuing her mother's work by educating her generation about early detection. "It's good to raise awareness, everyone needs to know it affects everyone," she said. "It's better to raise awareness in the younger generation and get checked out early."
A Lasting Impact
Dame Deborah James, known online as @Bowelbabe, was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016 and became a powerful campaigner and podcaster until her death at age 40. She received her Damehood just weeks before passing away, with Prince William visiting her family home to present the honour.
Heather James previously described her daughter as having lived "a triple life" because of how fully she embraced every moment, even after her diagnosis. Dame Deborah's campaign work has fundamentally changed the conversation around bowel cancer in the UK, encouraging open discussion about symptoms and early detection.
The family's appearance on Lorraine demonstrates their ongoing commitment to ensuring that Deborah James' remarkable legacy continues to save lives and inspire others facing similar battles.
