A podcast which was hosted by the late Dame Deborah James has received a major honour at the British Podcast Awards. You, Me and the Big C, which the late mum of two hosted alongside others, has won a coveted Podcast Champion award.
The prestigious honour is only given to a person or show which has broken new ground, using its platform to help grow and bring communities together.
The impact of the completely honest and inspirational podcast, as well as the work of its presenters and behind the scenes team - was acknowledged at the British Podcast Awards at London's Kennington Park today.
Read more: Family leads funeral procession of Dame Deborah James, as son 14, helps carry coffin
The award comes less than a month on from Dame Deborah James' family sharing the tragic news that the presenter had passed away aged 40, following a five-year battle with stage four bowel cancer. Never to be disheartened by her diagnosis, the Bowelbabe raised in excess of £7 million for charity thanks to her tireless endeavours and fundraising drive.
The Mirror reports that her co-presenter Lauren Mahon accepted the award today, saying: "I don't think there are many podcasts that you could say would be standing up here whose co-hosts are not with them because they have died of the subject matter, but that is why we do what we do.
"We knew it was a risk when we started it and it is something that we will continue to champion."
Deborah began co-presenting You, Me and the Big C alongside Lauren and the late Rachael Bland in 2018, with the podcast earning praise for its frank discussion of cancer. The trio spoke to celebrity guests and addressed practical matters, including hair loss, tips for dealing with finances and discussing illnesses with loved ones.
Following BBC Radio 5 Live newsreader Rachael dying of breast cancer in 2018, her husband Steve Bland, replaced his late wife as one of the presenters alongside Deborah and Lauren. Speaking in the wake of Deborah's passing on June 28, Steve teared up while discussing the 'extraordinary legacy' she built and left behind in her wake.
Chatting with hosts Nina Warhurst and Jon Kay the day following Deborah's death being announced, Steve praised all the original You, Me and the Big C presenters for their ground-breaking work on the show and the lasting impact it has had. "They opened up the conversation for so many people to say 'It's okay. Its not a dirty secret'," the journalist proudly stated. "I'm so proud of what they all achieved."
As he paid tribute to Deborah on live TV in June, Steve pointed how the late mum-of-two had been raising funds and awareness of cancer 'not just the last several weeks but for the last five years'. "She educated people about the symptoms of bowel cancer and that's an extortionary legacy," Steve proudly declared on BBC Breakfast. "Thousands of people are alive because of her."
Signing off her final podcast in May of this year, Deborah said: "Check your poo. Come on. I can't leave on any other word apart from check your poo."
She passed away the following month after receiving end-of-life care at home with her loved ones close by. A private funeral was held by friends and family earlier this week, with stars such as Lorraine Kelly and Tom and Giovanna Fletcher in attendance.
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