Prince William and Kate Middleton pay tribute to Dame Deborah James after she dies of bowel cancer

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they were sad to hear the devastating news.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have called cancer fundraiser Dame Deborah James an “inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman” after she died from the disease.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge added they were sad to hear of her passing and said that her legacy will live on, The Sun reported.

Deborah died yesterday aged 40. She beat eight per cent chances of living for five years after her bowel cancer diagnosis in 2016.

Prince William and Kate Middleton tweeted this morning: “We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah.

“Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones. Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on.”

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Cancer warrior Deborah James has died aged 40. Picture: Instagram

Last month she was honoured with a Damehood after capturing hearts with her honest accounts of living with the disease.

And Prince William travelled to her parents’ home, where she was staying, to present the award to her.

He later revealed that he loved meeting the cancer campaigner, adding that it felt like a “very personal family moment”.

Deborah’s heartbroken family revealed the inspirational Sun columnist died yesterday surrounded by her loved ones - sparking a flurry of tributes.

Boris Johnson said he was “terribly saddened” by the news of Dame Deborah’s passing.

The PM wrote: “What an inspiration she was to so many.“The awareness she brought to bowel cancer and the research her campaigning has funded will be her enduring legacy. Because of her, many many lives will be saved.”

Piers Morgan described her as “a truly remarkable and inspiring woman” adding it was “such sad news”.

After learning last month she would receive end-of-life hospice care, Deborah began fundraising in earnest - with the total now topping an astonishing £6.7 million ($11.8 million).

Her legions of fans around the country learned of her death in an Instagram post shared from her account last night.

Cancer warrior Deborah James has died aged 40. Picture: Instagram

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.”

True to form, the beloved national treasure had the last word.

She penned a final missive to supporters before her death. Her words were shared in the Instagram post last night.

“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.”

Despite being told she had an eight per cent chance of living five years, Deborah defied the odds stacked against her.

After celebrating her 40th birthday last October - a birthday she never dreamt she would live to see - the brave campaigner marked the five-year milestone a few months later.

This story was originally published by The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission.