Dame Deborah James dies age 40 from cancer - latest tributes to 'extraordinary campaigner'

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Dame Deborah James who has died at the age of 40. The cancer campaigner and podcaster's family announced her tragic death this evening.

After the news broke, scores of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Dame Deborah. Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Dame Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe. A truly remarkable and inspiring woman. Such sad news."

In her own tribute to the presenter of the BBC podcast You, Me And The Big C, Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said: "Rest in peace Deborah James. What an incredible, fierce, bright and brilliant woman.

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"An absolutely extraordinary campaigner. Thank you for your rebellious hope and the millions you have inspired @bowelbabe. Thinking of your many loved ones."

M.E.N readers have also been posting comments paying tribute to Dame Deborah.

Hazel Potts wrote: "Oh, how sad! What a brave and courageous lady.

"She fought so hard to raise awareness of bowel cancer and did an incredible job of it too! RIP Deborah. Much love to all of her family and friends."

In her final weeks, Dame Deborah raised millions of pounds for research and was made a dame for her “tireless” work improving awareness of the disease.

A statement posted by her family on Instagram said: “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