Dame Deborah James ‘gutted’ she won’t be alive to see her second book published

Dame Deborah James has said she is “gutted” she will not live to see her second book published in a poignant Instagram post.

The 40-year-old cancer campaigner, known online as Bowel Babe, has raised more than £6m through her internet fundraiser for cancer charities.

She revealed on Tuesday evening that she has written book number two, called How To Live When You Could Be Dead.

In the post’s caption, the podcaster expressed her regret that she is unlikely to be alive by the time the book is published, despite its release date being brought forward.

It comes after the You, Me And The Big C host revealed last week she had moved to hospice care with her family after battling stage four bowel cancer since 2016.

“I wrote another book!! So I’ve got a few things to share with you before I die that I’m gutted I won’t see in real life! But I’ve now been granted permission to share them and I’m really excited!” she wrote.

“For the last 2 years I’ve been working on my second book How to Live when you could be Dead – oh the irony of the title! I wanted to share all my (hard-won!!) learning on how to have a positive mindset when we are faced with life’s biggest challenges.

“Whilst it is in its final edits, as anyone in publishing will know, suddenly changing book publication dates (regardless of health!) isn’t an easy feat. It was originally due out Jan 2023!!!

“All things considered, Penguin have managed to put it on pre-order and are aiming to publish it on the 18th August! It is still long after I’m flying high, but hopefully a little less longer for you to wait.”

Dame Deborah’s first book, F*** You Cancer: How To Face The Big C, Live Your Life And Still Be Yourself, was published in 2018.

She also explained that £3 from each book sold will go to her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.

Some well-known names in the entertainment world commented with messages of support underneath the post.

ITV host Lorraine Kelly wrote: “Ordering asap – so proud of you”, while TV presenter Gaby Roslin commented: “Pre ordering it now my darling Deborah.”

Dame Deborah’s podcast co-host Lauren Mahon, who has also had cancer, wrote: “Just ordered! Beyond proud! You are just incredible pal”.

The former deputy headteacher was made a dame on Friday, after the Duke of Cambridge visited her at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, to personally hand over the honour.

She said she was “utterly honoured” that Prince William had joined her family for afternoon tea, but admitted her “cleaning antics and preparation went off the scale” as she got ready for the royal visit.

Prince William and Kate had previously donated to her fund and thanked the campaigner for her “tireless efforts”.