THE Loose Women were overcome with emotion on today's show as they paid tribute to Dame Deborah James.
The inspirational Sun columnist, known as BowelBabe to her legions of Instagram fans, died from bowel cancer aged just 40.
The mum-of-two was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016, at the age of 35.
Speaking about the tragic loss on today’s Loose Women, Jane Moore praised Deborah for being a true "inspiration".
Panellist Gloria Hunniford, who lost her beloved daughter Caron Keating in April 2004 to breast cancer aged just 41, fought back tears as she spoke about Deborah's death.
"I felt really teary when I heard the news, I think we all felt as if we knew her because she was so public," Gloria said.
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"I want to say to her family, we are really thinking about you today because I know from my own experience, loads of different kinds of pain and suffering.
"I think you will get great comfort from the fact that so many people will be helped from this vast amount of money she has raised."
Gloria went on to praise Deborah's positive "spirit and attitude" throughout her six-year battle.
Panellist Katie Piper said Deborah's legacy will live on forever.
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"It's an incredible legacy, she changed lives, she saved lives and she used the life that she had to raise phenomenal amounts of money," Katie said.
"She was always helping other people and through that legacy she will stay alive.
"What she did was tackle a real taboo subject – it's one of the cancers that probably isn't talked about in the way that we are now."
Deborah was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016, at the age of 35.
After learning last month she would receive end-of-life hospice care, she began fundraising in earnest – with the total now topping an astonishing £6.7million.
Her legions of fans around the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account last night.
It reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
“Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
“Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
“We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund.
“Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible."
She penned a final missive to supporters before her death. Her words were shared in the Instagram post tonight.
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“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope," she said.
“And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life."
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