Thousands sign up for Race for Life in memory of ‘Bowelbabe’, who raised £11.3mn before her death

More than 5,000 people have signed up for Race for Life in memory of Dame Deborah James.

The campaigner, who died last June, raised more than £11.3 million for cancer research during her lifetime and in the months following her death.

This year, entrants have been invited to race in memory of “Bowelbabe,” with money going to causes and projects the podcaster and fundraiser was passionate about.

Her sister, Sarah Wieczorek, said she would be “incredibly proud” that her story continues to inspire people.

She said, “Race for Life was incredibly special for Deborah. She loved the positive energy of the events and the sense that everyone who took part was together for it, having fun and raising money for vital research. She could usually be found at the starting line wearing a pink tutu and wig.

“We look forward to participating in Race for Life for Bowelbabe as a family and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has already signed up – it’s great to see Deborah still inspiring so many people to participate. She would be incredibly proud and grateful for anyone to participate.”

More than 5,000 people have signed up this year for the Race For Life in memory of James

Dame Deborah was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, aged 35, and became an outspoken campaigner encouraging people to check for signs of the disease.

The mum-of-two, who candidly documented her treatment on the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, was a regular on Race for Life.

She was Deputy Director and was made a dame by Prince William for her fundraising efforts when he visited her at her parents’ home in Surrey.

Last month, Cancer Research UK unveiled the first projects funded by the Bowelbabe Fund to support Deborah’s legacy.

A study led by Professor Trevor Graham, director of the Center for Evolution and Cancer at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, will try to lay the groundwork for a new precision treatment that could stop the spread of bowel cancer.

Another project, involving a team of leading scientists, will focus on microbes that can cause colon cancer.

As of this month, Race for Life will run over 450 events in over 180 locations across the UK, with women, men and children choosing to run, walk or jog the 3k, 5k and 10k events.

Now in its 30th year, Daily Mail has teamed up with Cancer Research UK as the official media partner for Race for Life, alongside Standard Life (must stay).

Our sponsorship and your support will help Cancer Research UK raise money for groundbreaking research into over 200 cancers.

Those walking in memory of Dame Deborah will continue to raise money for the Bowelbabe Fund, which will specifically support groundbreaking research in early detection and personalized medicine, raise awareness of signs and symptoms, and address the stigmas surrounding cancer.

Deborah James was made a lady by Prince William for her fundraising efforts for cancer research

Deborah (right) is pictured on vacation with husband Sebastian (left) and their family

Michelle Mitchell, Managing Director of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Dame Deborah has been a great ambassador for Race for Life for many years.

“She was passionate about raising vital funds for cancer research, encouraging people to apply, and thoroughly enjoyed the events and the great atmosphere.

She added, “Over 3,000 people have already signed up for Race for Life for Bowelbabe which is a testament to how many lives Deborah has touched.

“We want as many people as possible to join us at a Race for Life event in the summer and raise money to carry on Deborah’s incredible legacy.”