Whether she was telling her "eligible bachelor" husband that she'd do her "damned hardest to come and haunt him" if he dated specific women after her death, or facing her fear of flying by piloting a plane over Portsmouth and running marathons, James's approach to living teaches us all a valuable lesson – one that she shares in her last moments on You, Me and the Big C.

We were also joined by the lovely Elpitha (middle) on the big day, who came to show her support to our runners. On 10th May 2022, Dame Deborah James spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live for her final episode of You, Me and the Big C, the podcast she'd co-hosted since 2018, telling producer Mike Holt that she had stopped active treatment for stage 4 bowel cancer. Aside from her awareness efforts – that involve dressing up in a child's poo costume and working with ITV's Lorraine on the No Butts campaign – Bowelbabe In Her Own Words sees James become candid about her family life and the "nightmares" she has re-enacting the moment she told her two kids about her cancer diagnosis. Ultimately however, the BBC Two documentary shows just how bubbly, strong and hilarious the broadcaster was in the last few years of her life – and just how much she achieved.Chris (one of Guts UK’s 2021 London Marathon runners) We’re thrilled to announce we have 4 places in the London Marathon 2024! On Sunday 22nd August this year we had our small but mighty team of runners take on the famous half marathon route through London for Guts UK! If either of our runners have inspired you to take on the Vitality Big Half Marathon, please get in touch today about our places for next year’s run! Chris Probert, pictured on the right, is a professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool.

Achalasia is a condition that affects the nerves and muscles of the oesophagus (food pipe), mainly at the lower end where it meets the stomach.This incredible course weaves through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, making the day a memorable one for all runners involved! Despite putting on a brave face, James admits that she "can't think about the future" and the fact that she'll be leaving her loved ones behind, whilst also coping with the deaths of Rachael Bland and Kelly Smith, who also lost their battles with cancer.