The family of the late Dame Deborah James has said she would be “so proud” of Princess Kate following her cancer announcement.
On Friday, Princess Kate released a video message announcing that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Her announcement has been praised by cancer charities and campaigners who say it raises awareness of the disease.
Dame Deborah James, also known as Bowel Babe, was an English journalist and podcaster who campaigned for cancer charities.
Dame Deborah James's family have said she would have been 'so proud' of Princess Kate
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James’s family has said that Princess Kate showed courage to speak out about her cancer diagnosis and will hopefully help millions suffering from cancer.
Her parents, Heather and Alistair James said: “Kate, William and their family are in our thoughts, and we send all our love from our family to theirs.
“Deborah would be so proud. The Princess of Wales has shown incredible courage in speaking out so publicly about her treatment.
“It takes huge bravery to do so, but her bravery will help millions of cancer patients and their families face this horrible disease.
Princess Kate announced her cancer diagnosis Friday eveningGetty“What’s more, in being so open and honest, Kate will undoubtedly encourage many more people who are living with potential symptoms of cancer, to seek medical help. In doing so, she will save lives.”
Deborah James died aged 40 on June 28, 2022, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2016.
The podcaster began blogging about her cancer diagnosis under the name Bowel Babe in 2017.
Dame Deborah became best known for sharing her five-and-a-half-year battle with terminal cancer on the BBC podcast, You, Me and the Big C, which she began co-presenting in 2018.
Dame Deborah James raised money and awareness for cancer
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She also launched a fundraiser for cancer research called the Bowelbabe Fund which raised over £6million on her JustGiving page by the time of her death.
At the wake of its launch, she was made a dame and Prince William attended her parent’s home to give her an award for her awareness-raising campaigns.
During her video message, Princess Kate encouraged people living with cancer to not give up hope.
She said: “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
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Princess Kate announced she is receiving cancer treatment on FridayPA“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Dame Deborah’s parents told the Sun: “We hope Kate and William know they too are not alone.
“As a family that has had to face cancer together, we know all too well how overwhelmingly tough it can be.”
They added: “We know if Deborah were here to send Kate a message, she would tell the Princess of Wales to hold on to rebellious hope.
“Deborah was a firm believer in the power of hope, and given how many times she beat the odds to survive, rebellious hope became her mantra.”