Deborah James

Deborah James was a deputy head teacher leading national research teams into growth mindsets in schools. Then, in 2016, at the age of 35, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and her life with her young children and husband was thrown upside down. She’s had 4 major operations including bowel and lung resections and multiple rounds of chemo – and is still undergoing treatment at the Royal Marsden. Rather than disappear into a cancer cave she started a blog, ‘bowel babe’ to debunk the myth that young women don't get bowel cancer and writes a weekly column for the Sun online, Things Cancer Made Me Say. She campaigns alongside major UK cancer charities, writes and presents the popular podcast ‘You, Me & the Big C’ for BBC’s Radio 5 Live, and has a built up a strong following on Instagram @bowelbabe.