Dame Deborah James’ Funeral: TV host Lorraine Kelly is present for the private ceremony in a church in London

Dame Deborah James’ Funeral: TV host Lorraine Kelly is present for the private ceremony in a church in London

Mourners have begun to arrive at the burial of Dame Deborah James, who inspired millions with her bowel cancer awareness campaign.

Family members and friends, including TV host Lorraine Kelly, are present for the private ceremony in a church in London.

The mother of two and podcast host known online by the handle Bowelbabe passed away last month at the age of 40 after being given the disease’s diagnosis in 2016.

The private memorial service will likely include her close friends and relatives.

Following her 2016 bowel cancer diagnosis, the former deputy headteacher updated her almost one million Instagram followers on her treatments.

She received praise from the public and the media for her open posts about her treatment and success, which included footage of her dancing through it.

Early in May, Dame Deborah made known that she had stopped receiving active treatment and was spending her dying days at her parents’ Woking home.

With her husband Sebastien and their 2 children by her side, she got end-of-life care.

The host of the BBC podcast You, Me, and the Big C raised about £7 million for research during her final months, and the total increased after her passing.

The Duke of Cambridge joined her family for afternoon tea and champagne at home and presented her with the honour of being made a dame for her “tireless” efforts to raise awareness of the disease.

On June 28, a note stating that she had passed away quietly while surrounded by her family was released.

Celebrities, charities, William and Kate, and many more whose lives have been impacted by cancer paid tribute.