I brought my daughter into the world, and I was there when she left it.” Holding Deborah’s hand in her final moments, I felt both deep grief and quiet relief that her long suffering had ended.

At just 40, Deborah left behind her children, Hugo (16) and Eloise (14). Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at 35, she endured a five-and-a-half-year battle with courage. Through her Bowelbabe blog, she turned pain into purpose, raising awareness and inspiring thousands.

“She refused to let her life be defined by despair.” Instead, she taught the world to cherish small joys—laughing, dancing, and living fully even in the shadow of illness. Her strength reached far beyond her family, touching strangers who drew hope from her honesty.

For those closest to her, especially her children, grief is heavy. Yet she left us a blueprint: “how to live fully even when time is short, how to savor joy in small things, and how to keep hope alive.”

Faith teaches us that trials are bridges to mercy. Deborah’s struggle, borne with patience and humor, has become her eternal reward. Her legacy remains—a reminder to live bravely, truthfully, and gratefully.