Cancer campaigner Deborah James has said she’s had the “most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days” of her life after being made a dame and her fundraiser reaching more than £5.7m.

The podcast host, who is receiving hospice-at-home care to treat her terminal bowel cancer, thanked the public for their “generosity” and the Duke of Cambridge for “going above and beyond”.

Prince William personally delivered Ms James’ damehood to her home in Surrey on Friday.

Writing in an Instagram post, the 40-year-old, who is known as Bowel Babe, said: “I believe I may have had the most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days of my life.

“I cannot thank you for your generosity at launching the Bowel Babe fund which now stands at £5.7 million, and to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for going above and beyond to make a very special memory happen yesterday.”

However, the mother-of-two continued to say she is “getting weaker and more tired” and is running on “pure adrenaline”.

“My family are being amazing and as emotional as it all is, we are finding so much to smile about in the sadness,” she said.