Tributes have been flooding in this morning for inspirational podcaster and bowel cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James who died yesterday at the age of 40.

In her final weeks, the presenter raised millions of pounds for cancer research and was made a dame for her “tireless” work improving awareness of the disease.

READ MORE: Bowel cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James dies aged 40

Glasgow Times:

She revealed in early May that she had stopped active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, with her husband Sebastien and their two children on hand.

Glasgow-born presenter Lorraine Kelly became emotional as she hosted a tribute to Dame Deborah James on her ITV show today.

Wearing a pink jacket, a nod to Dame Deborah’s favourite colour, and a t-shirt with the words “Rebellious Hope” on it, which had became Dame Deborah’s slogan, Kelly held back tears as she spoke to Steve Bland.

Dame Deborah co-hosted the You, Me And The Big C podcast with Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.

Bland died in September 2018 aged 40 after treatment for breast cancer, and her widower Steve became a regular on the show.

He told Lorraine that Dame Deborah had “done so much, we’re so proud of her”.

READ MORE: Dame Deborah James’ ‘tremendous legacy’ remembered following her death

Nicola Sturgeon has also praised Dame Deborah James for her fight against cancer, highlighting her fundraising efforts as well as her work to raise awareness of the disease.

The Scottish First Minister, speaking on Good Morning Britain, said: “Can I take the opportunity to personally pay tribute to Deborah James?

“Her loss at such a young age is clearly tragic, but the work she did to raise awareness of bowel cancer and of course the immense amount of money she raised will make such a difference, and my thoughts are with her family today."

A spokesperson for the Glasgow-based Beatson Cancer Charity spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Deborah James.

"Dame Deborah has been an inspiration to many over the years since her bowel cancer diagnosis and has not let it stop her from enjoying her life - even in her final days.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

"Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Scotland. We would like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone who is experiencing a change in their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, a pain or lump in their stomach or any other unexplained symptoms to speak to their GP."

For more information from the NHS on Bowel Cancer click here.