October 1, 2026, would have been Deborah James’ 45th birthday. She bravely fought cancer and became known worldwide as the Bowelbabe. Prince William appeared via video at the Rebel Ball. The event honored Deborah and the work she did to establish the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
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“What struck me was Deborah’s positivity and humor in the face of adversity, what she liked to call ‘rebellious hope’. Fueled by that positive spirit, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK has achieved so much over the last four and a half years, as it continued to invest in pioneering research that’s giving more people more time with the ones they love,” Prince William said.
Prince William Has Personally Been Affected By Cancer
Both Prince William’s father, King CHalres, and his wife, Kate Middleton, have battled cancer in the last few years. Though neither has disclosed what kind of cancer they had, they’ve undergone treatment and fought the disease with dignity.
Deborah James’ work helped serve as an inspiration to so many who face the brutal disease. And for those who don’t feel they can talk openly. Her husband, Sebastien Bowen, released a statement on her birthday, obtained by People.
“Deborah channeled her rebellious hope into a force for good, doing everything she could to change lives for the better. She was driven by an unwavering determination to raise vital funds for cancer research because she understood firsthand the difference it can make in helping give more people more time with the ones they love,” he said.
Sebastien added that his wife spoke bravely about her bowel cancer. She did her best to spread awareness so that others would get screened.
“The Rebel Ball captured so much of what made her special: her energy, her courage and her ability to bring people together behind a cause she believed in. Themoney raised will support the work she was so passionate about, helping to drive progress for people affected by cancer,” Bowen added.
This story’s feature image is by Jordan Pettitt / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
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