Prince William Commends Bowelbabe Fund's £20m Achievement
The Bowelbabe Fund, initiated by Dame Deborah James shortly before her passing from bowel cancer in May 2022, has achieved the remarkable sum of £20 million. This significant fundraising effort, originally aiming for £250,000, has been realised in under four years, drawing commendation from Prince William.
The Prince of Wales conveyed his admiration via Instagram, acknowledging Dame Deborah's enduring impact. "Deborah is in our thoughts today, as are all those who loved her," he wrote, highlighting her lasting contribution.
Dame Deborah's family expressed profound pride in the fund's success. Her mother, Heather James, remarked that Deborah would be "absolutely over the moon" to witness this achievement, emphasising her daughter's dedication to advancing cancer research to grant more time to those affected.
Alistair James, Dame Deborah's father, reflected on her incredible drive, noting that even she would have been astonished by the £20.5 million raised in the final weeks of her life.
Cancer Research UK, a primary beneficiary, has allocated the funds to support 16 research projects, including the development of a "Bowelbabe vaccine" aimed at bolstering immunity against bowel cancer. Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, lauded the milestone as a testament to Dame Deborah's "incredible legacy," underscoring the ongoing necessity for research despite advancements in bowel cancer survival rates.
