Lorraine Kelly sends love to ‘weak’ co-star recovering in ICU after infection from cancer

Deborah James, 40, was the driving force behind Lorraine’s No Butt campaign after she herself, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer five years ago

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Deborah James discusses ‘scary’ bowel cancer symptoms in June

Lorraine Kelly sent her love to co-worker Deborah James, whom she showed weakness by sending a heartfelt message to the ICU’s ITV show.

The program is currently raising awareness about bowel cancer through No Butts . campaignwith support from Bowel Cancer UK, to widely promote early diagnosis and symptom awareness..

Deborah, 40, was the driving force behind the campaign after she herself was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer five years ago.

When they restarted the campaign today for the second year in a row, Deborah was no longer there as she was recovering from an infection she contracted over the weekend in the ICU.

Instead, she shared a message from just outside her room in a hospital gown and bunny ears as she said: “I’m so sad I wasn’t there for the No. but obviously, my health has taken a hit from a recent trip – still in hospital. Actually, sitting on the balcony outside the ICU but I’m getting better.

“However, I sent my mother with me because this year’s campaign will be bigger and more public than ever before. We have pants and a flag. We are raising the flag for bowel cancer across the UK.

“And it’s important that we continue to raise awareness because ultimately if we stop it and catch it earlier, we can save lives.

Reacting to her text, Lorraine choked: “Thank you Deborah! We’re sending you all our love – I know she’s watching this morning.”

She was also joined by Deborah’s mother Heather outside as Lorraine continued: “Heather, as we can see, she’s a little weak, but the spirit is there! She’s remarkable.”

“Not the Easter we planned,” Heather said. “But a good Easter in a different way. We put on bunny ears – including me – and we deliver the eggs and we’re out of the ICU. She’s got her infection under control now and hopefully she’s got it.” She’ll be back dancing soon.”

* Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV