Rebellious Hope

Today, we want to talk about something different …

We’ve followed Dame Deborah James and her @bowelbabefund through her last months.  All through the years since she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, she never shied away from sharing her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation about cancer. 

Watching her making the most of life was inspirational.  Her Instagram posts are full of smiling and cheering on life photos.  Instead she must have been so tired and so weak, but she took every opportunity to live every last moment.  And she lived it as positively as she could.  Putting us all to shame when we complain about the weather or when things don’t go our way.  Things didn’t go her way.  She was only 40.  But she made the most of the life even in the worst storm of her life.  And in her own words …

“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo, it could just save your life.”

Dame Deborah James passed away yesterday. Till the very end, she danced through the biggest storm of her life.

May’s comment: #rebellioushope resonated so well when Darcy became ill. When I was told it was days and weeks, I somehow believed it could be six months. But she rebelled and lived for a month longer. She was already too tired to do much more than sleep most of those days and weeks. 

I never thought that dreaded “C” word would be a part of our vocabulary. But it happens – unexpectedly and unknowingly. There had been some anger for her being taken away too soon. And there had been regrets which I know I shouldn’t.  It’s normal and in some ways, easier to be angry and regret, because in the dark moments, it is harder to give thanks for all that we’ve had.

Deborah James’ positivity and a reminder to live and love life was an inspiration. I don’t want to live with regret. Let’s remember to live a life we love.

To Deborah’s Winston, your mum awaits you. 

In The Style “Rebellious Hope” T-shirt – 100% of profits from the collection will be paid to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.