"Peace, comfort and courage": Dame Deborah James farewelled
Dame Deborah James has been farewelled at a private funeral in London after losing her five-year battle with bowel cancer.
The cancer campaigner, also known as Bowel Babe, died on June 29th at age 40.
A service for the mum-of-two, who raised £7.4 million ($12.8 million) for multiple cancer charities in her final weeks, was a private service for family and friends which took place in West London's St Mary's Church.
Local police shared their sorrow at the event taking place, tweeting: "Incredible and inspiring, Dame Deborah James! Your memory will live forever!
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends! Wishing you peace, comfort and courage at this time of sorrow," they said.
Deborah's husband and two children were among the procession that followed the hearse through the streets of the suburb in a sombre tribute.
The 40-year-old's wicker coffin was adorned with roses named in her honour at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year.
Among the close friends and family in attendance were a small number of famous faces, including TV presenters Lorraine Kelly and Gaby Roslin.
Deborah's husband, Sebastien Bowen, gave the eulogy during the service, while their son Hugo, 14, and daughter Eloise, 12, read poems.
Ahead of the day James's brother Benjamin James penned an emotion tribute to his older sister on social media.
"Saying bye is never going to be easy, but knowing you achieved more than any of us could ever dream of…and so, so much more…makes it that little bit more bearable," he said.
"Take it easy up there. Here's to you x".
The family announced Deborah's death on June 29th, saying she "passed away peacefully" at home where she has been receiving hospice care.
Image credits: Getty Images