Letters addressed to ‘Dame Debs somewhere in Woking’ are giving us life, says Deborah James
LETTERS addressed to "Deborah James, somewhere in Woking" have somehow made their way to the beloved Dame.
She posted a snap of a collection of envelopes, all with varied attempts to describe her location at her parents' home, on Instagram.
The Sun writer was clearly both deeply touched and amused at the effort people, and the post service, had gone to to reach her.
The mum-of-two, 40, wrote: "I think my parents have the best Royal Mail services ever!
"The attempted addressed letters are giving us life!
"How on earth they are getting here is a little miracle!"
- Donate to keep raising money for Deborah's BowelBabe fund
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Brits eager to get in contact with the cancer campaigner, had tried a few different addresses, including "Dame Deborah James, Woking", "Bowel Babe, c/o her parents", "Dame Deborah, living at parents house".
Somehow, they managed to get to her, providing a boost as she spends her final days with her family.
It comes after she praised her "wonderful" army of supporters, as her book quickly rocketed to the top of the charts.
Mum Deborah, who is on end-of-life care, revealed on Tuesday night the publishing date has been brought forward because she’s got “a few things to share” before she dies.
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Just hours after the pre-release announcement was made, her legions of supporters had bumped the "labour of love" to the top of the charts.
Deborah shared her excitement on Instagram, but told fans she is “gutted” that she’ll likely miss seeing the book in shops.
Three pounds from each book will be donated to the - launched on the same day she revealed she was stopping active care.
Deborah, who has continued to add to her army of supporters over the years, inspired donations of more than £6million in a week.
Last Monday, she shared a heartbreaking Instagram post saying she was now receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, because the heroic efforts of her team of medics at The Royal Marsden Hospital in South West London were now fruitless.
She said her body “simply isn’t playing ball”, adding: “My body is so emaciated that I have no choice but to surrender to the inevitable.”
What are the symptoms to look for? Remember "BOWEL"
- : B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it's important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It's important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It's especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you're not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don't be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you've lost weight and don't really know why, it's worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body - anaemia. If you develop anaemia you're likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It's most likely you'll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn't go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep.
Yesterday she managed to get out of the house for the first time in 10 days.
The 40-year-old spent some time at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey with her husband Sebastien Bowen.
Posting to , she said: "Seb whisked me (bit of a mission but worth it!) at the crack of dawn to before all the crowds, to say well done for the book launch, and it was just perfect for an hour.
"I haven’t left the house in 10 days as have been too weak, and whilst I’m now going to snooze for most of the day (in the sun like a cat!) - I love this picture of reminding me of vibrant green life all around, despite the sadness of knowing the state of my body inside.
"But Seb is an utter rock for me and together we seem to be able to squeeze our hands, swallow the tears and laugh instead."
Deborah posted a photo of the couple beaming in the garden.
The mum-of-two was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
The inspiring cancer campaigner was made a Dame last week after calls - led by The Sun - followed her astonishing fundraising effort.
Prince William travelled to her parents' house in Woking, where she is spending her last days, to ensure she go the gong from him.
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Deborah told how she had been blown away by the day, posing for a number of snaps with William and having a natter.
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He talked with all of her family, who are gathered for her remaining days after she stopped active care at hospital.
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