Deborah James ‘defied the odds’ as ‘lucky’ star made it to major racing event

dailystar.co.uk:

Dame Deborah James ‘defied the odds’ to make it to Ascot this year. The mum-of-two, 40, was moved to hospice care last month amid her battle with bowel cancer, and has been sharing health updates ever since - and still managing to do some of the things she loves.The podcaster was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in December 2016 and was told by doctors that she may not live beyond five years.Along with launching her own InTheStyle fashion collection to help fundraise for cancer research, Deborah has been spending time with loved ones and getting out to enjoy the sunshine.Today (June 16), the star wowed in a black-and-white polka dot dress with a frilly white collar as she headed out to the races, picking up an Yves Saint Laurent cream clutch on her way out.Deborah added a floppy straw hat and cream point-towed sandals embellished with gold spikes for the special occasion as she posed with stars like Ruth Langsford, Eamonn Holmes and singer Natalie Rushdie.Speaking to The Sun, Deborah - who is currently using a wheelchair - confirmed of the event: “It was very impromptu, but it was such a lovely day.“I tend to go to Ascot every year with my girlfriends, so to get to go this year feels really special.“I didn’t expect to make it.”She added that she won three of the four races she bet on - making her money back and hopefully covering her petrol costs.She praised: “It looks like my lucky streak continues!”Deborah enjoyed a “strong margarita” at the event, while the events team helped her to find a “calm and sheltered area” to enjoy the horse racing.But she admitted she was “exhausted” after it had all finished, and was heading home to sleep it off.It comes after Deborah headed to catch opera La Bohème at Glyndebourne.