Dame Deborah James, was a past pupil of Salesian College, Chertsey, and later returned as deputy head. Following her diagnosis of Bowel cancer, she became a journalist, documenting her cancer journey. Tonight (Monday 17th April), the BBC will be airing a documentary of her journey with cancer.

Below is the press release from the BBC

From living with incurable bowel cancer, to Damehood, to her untimely death – Bowelbabe: In Her Own Words details the last extraordinary five years of cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James's life on film.

Known by many as her online persona Bowelbabe, the former deputy head teacher amassed a huge social media following. Filmed with Deborah in the last months of her life, she talks frankly about her diagnosis, treatment and shares many personal moments whilst dancing and documenting what the reality of living with bowel cancer was really like for her and those closest to her.

This 1 x 80' archive-based documentary features never seen before mobile phone footage, Deborah's collection of Tik Tok videos, Instagram posts, You Me and the Big C podcasts, family videos and Deborah's voice notes.

Deborah was made a Dame by Prince William in May 2022. Before her death in June 2022 she worked to establish The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK which raised more than £7million. The Fund will support causes and projects that Deborah was passionate about, including working with others such as the Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Bowel Cancer UK.

Image ©BBC

The show is available on iPlayer (Only for UK and Ireland viewers)

(Please note that the programme does contain some strong language)

For international viewers you can watch below: