I’ll die with a big smile and a tall glass of champagne after raising millions for charity, says Deborah James

DAME Deborah James yesterday said she had “the most surreal, mind-blowing, most humbling five days” of her life – as her fundraiser hit £5.9million.

The hero cancer fighter also said she was getting “weaker and more tired” but promised to go out “with a big smile, no regrets and a tall glass of champagne.”

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Straightforward Deborah, 40, is being treated for colon cancer at the end of her life.

She has won hearts and inspired millions with her Sun columns and BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C.

After raising millions for cancer charities over the past week, she was presented with a dameship by Prince William on Friday at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey.

Yesterday, she wrote on Instagram: “I think I’ve had perhaps the most surreal, overwhelming and humbling five days of my life.

“I cannot thank you for your generosity in establishing the Bowelbabe Fund and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for doing everything they could to make a very special memory happen yesterday.

“I can’t quite believe I’m actually a lady! My family is amazing and as emotional as this is all we find so much to smile about in the sadness.

“I might get weaker and more tired every day after unloading pure adrenaline, but on my word, I’ve always said that when my time’s up I want to slide sideways with a big smile, no regrets and a tall glass of champagne ! Still my intention!!!”

Mother-of-two Deborah announced Monday that she would no longer receive active treatment.

In a heartbreaking post, she said the medics tried everything but her body “just won’t cooperate,” adding, “I know we’ve left no stone unturned.

“But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world, or some magical new breakthrough, my body just can’t go on anymore. My body is so emaciated that I have no choice but to surrender to the inevitable.”

Despite her condition, Deborah was determined to give her campaign one last boost and set up the Bowelbabe Fund to raise £250,000 for Cancer Research UK, The Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK.

She is now 2,356 percent over her target.

Prince William and Kate were among the donors.

They tweeted: “Every once in a while someone wins the heart of the nation with their zest for life and their stubborn desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people.

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