Anthony Joshua and David Beckham pay tribute to Deborah James after she did a Dame for Cancer campaign

ANTHONY Joshua and David Beckham have paid tribute to Deborah James after she was made a lady for her cancer campaign.

It comes after The Sun called on the inspirational writer to receive the honor for her tireless efforts to raise awareness of the disease and bring hope to others.

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The 40-year-old journalist has captured the hearts of the nation, raising more than a staggering £4million after revealing she has days, weeks at most, to live.

And a host of famous faces have praised Deborah after she was rightfully honored with a damehood.

Talk TV presenter Piers Morgan said: “I can’t think of anyone in the UK more deserving of a damehood than this extraordinarily brave and inspiring woman who has helped save so many lives despite the slow and agonizing loss of her own .”

Famous soccer star David Beckham also offered a few words of support.

The ex-Manchester United player called Deborah James’ story “both heartbreaking and genuinely inspiring”.

He said: “Her battle with cancer and her spirit and positivity is just incredible and will bring so much strength to so many people who are battling this cruel disease.”

Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was another athlete who paid tribute to her fighting spirit.

He said: “What an incredible fighter Deborah is. Her story touched the nation and is a true inspiration to all of us.

“What she has done throughout her struggle and of course over the last few weeks is nothing short of monumental, both personally and for raising awareness and much-needed funds.

“As a parent myself, I cannot imagine what she and her family are going through and I send all my love and support to the entire family.”

And Lorraine Kelly said she “couldn’t think of anyone more worthy of the honor.”

She added: “Deborah is a force of nature and is at the center of our No Butts colorectal cancer awareness campaign, which has saved countless lives.

“She’s so passionate about removing the stigma and embarrassment surrounding bums and poop and getting people to get over their squeamishness and get the colon cancer test.

“I saw her in hospital recently and although she was physically frail, her spirit and energy filled the room and her courage is just remarkable.

“I’m proud to know her and what a legacy she will leave to her family and friends.”

Heroic cancer activist Deborah James opened up about her shock at being made a lady, saying: “OMFG this is crazy.”

Brave Deborah added: “I don’t know what to say. I am overwhelmed and incredibly honored.

“I don’t feel like I deserve this. I can’t tell you what this means for my family, it’s so much to process.”

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and No 10 pulled out all the stops to honor the mother-of-two, who has written for The Sun about her treatment and life since diagnosis.

Prince William and Kate donated an undisclosed amount to their fundraiser yesterday.

And the prince is said to have been the driving force behind the honor.

He worked behind the scenes to make sure she got her ladyship.

A source said: “William and Katherine were very moved by Deborah’s story as they are both parents themselves and were blown away by their campaign.

“William moved heaven and earth to ensure she received the award she so deserved.”

Deborah’s family said the support she received was “very uplifting” and “heartwarming.”

They told The Sun: “The outpouring of love and support shown to Deborah through contributions to the Bowelbabe Fund at this extremely difficult time has been extremely uplifting and heartwarming for us as a family and has brought a piercing ray of light and hope into the darkest of all times.

“She fought tirelessly, often against adversity, and being awarded a damehood would be something she never dreamed of, but she truly deserved it.”

On Monday night, Deborah shared in a heartbreaking Instagram post that despite her best efforts, “my body just won’t cooperate.”

Five years after being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer and against all odds, the mother-of-two revealed: “Nobody knows how long I have left”.

But in true Deborah style, she was determined to give her campaign one last boost.

She set up the BowelBabe Fund to raise money for Cancer Research UK, The Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and has kept her half a million strong Instagram followers up to date throughout her treatment.

Shortly after her diagnosis in 2017, Deborah began sharing her journey on her Sun Online column, Things Cancer Made Me Say, and with her Instagram followers.

She co-hosted the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C and wrote a book F*** You Cancer.

As frontman of The Sun’s colon cancer campaign, Deborah helped pressure the government to change the law and lower the screening age from 60 to 50.

Dressed up as a poo emoji, dancing through chemo sessions in sequin dresses, Deborah showed the world that terminal cancer is possible to live with.

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