DAME Deborah James’s parents today send their love to Princess Kate, praising her bravery and urging her to “hold on to rebellious hope”.
The family said they are certain her emotional statement would inspire many more people to get checked for cancer — and save lives.
Heather, 66, and Alistair James, 68, told The Sun: “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.
“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.”
Sun writer Dame Debs died aged 40 in June 2022, five-and-a-half years after she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.
Her parents 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.
“We have no doubt her positive mindset helped her keep going, and gave us five years of precious memories together.”
Kate, 42, told the nation on Friday that tests conducted after she was admitted for abdominal surgery on January 16 revealed cancer had been present.
Deborah was just 35 when she was told the 6cm mass in her bowel was cancerous.
Like Kate, Deborah and her husband Seb had young children — Hugo, then nine, and Eloise, seven — and faced the horrible challenge of telling them the news.
In her first interview with The Sun in 2017, Deborah said: “We had to face telling the kids, your first instinct is to protect them.
“We didn’t want them to think about it, but actually the best thing was just to be open with them.”
Before her death, Deborah captured the hearts of the nation with her “Rebellious Hope” motto, as she spoke openly about her impending fate, and urged people to donate to her Bowelbabe Fund, raising an astonishing £7million in just seven weeks. The total now stands at £12.6million, 21 months after Dame Debs death.
BATTLE AGAINST TROLLS
KATE and Wills were aware of vile online troll attacks in recent weeks as social media giants came under fire for allowing the sick content to continue.
TikTok and X/Twitter faced calls to “come clean” on the algorithms they use for promoting content and making profit.
Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that Kate decided to announce her cancer diagnosis two weeks ago — before writing every word of her emotional video message.
Wills was among those who praised Deborah’s strength and campaigning, and he was instrumental in helping to organise her damehood.
He visited Deborah at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, in May 2022, to bestow the honour.
Heather told The Sun: “It was like having a friend over for tea.
“He was so kind and considerate, he was so relaxed and enjoyed the fact Deborah was ‘triple parked’ — she had a glass of champagne, wine and sherry lined up.
“He took particular time and care to speak to Hugo and Eloise.
“As someone who lost his mum at a young age he was able to give them powerful advice that will stay with them for ever.
“We will never forget his kindness, and we hope he and Kate get the time and space they need to help their family through this.”
We know what it feels like to be told your child has cancer. It’s heartbreaking to see your child face something so hard
Heather & Alistair James
Brave Kate also sent a message of support as part of her statement on Friday: “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Heather and Alistair added: “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.
“We want to send a special message to (Kate’s parents) Carole and Michael Middleton to let them know, we are thinking of them.
“We know what it feels like to be told your child has cancer.
“It’s heartbreaking to see your child face something so hard.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
“As parents and grandparents, we would have done anything to take Deborah’s pain and that of her children away.
“As a family we pulled together as we know Kate’s will have too.”
Kate’s message has brought strength and support to thousands of families, charities told The Sun.
And it has triggered a rush of inquiries to cancer charity websites by people seeking information about signs and symptoms.
It mirrors the surge in traffic to the NHS website following the King’s revelation last month that he is being treated for the disease.
As a family we pulled together as we know Kate’s will have too
Heather and Alistair
Visits to the NHS advice page jumped 51 per cent in the 24 hours after Charles’s announcement, soaring to 14,668 compared to a daily average of 9,737 the week before.
Dr Ian Walker, from Cancer Research UK, said: “High-profile cancer cases, like the King and the Princess, can act as a prompt to encourage people to find out more and think about their own health.”
Gemma Peters, of Macmillan Cancer Support, also applauded Kate. She said: “In sharing her news the Princess of Wales will be helping to encourage others who have concerns, to visit their GP and seek support.”
Cases are rising as Britain’s population ages, with Cancer Research UK expecting to see around half a million a year by 2040.
But Dr Walker said there had been a doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years.
He added: “Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is a personal journey. It is important for people to take their time and think about how they want to talk with their family and friends about it.”
KING ‘FRUSTRATED’
By Matt Wilkinson
KING Charles is frustrated that his recovery is taking longer than he would want, his nephew has said.
Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Royal Anne, said the monarch was in high spirits but that he wanted to return to his duties.
Peter said: “He is frustrated that he can’t get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do. But he is very pragmatic, he understands there’s a period of time that he needs to focus on himself.
“At the same time he is always pushing his staff and everybody to be able to say, ‘actually can I do this, can I do that?’”
Peter added: “He’s obviously very keen to get back to a form of normality and is probably frustrated that recovery is taking a little longer than probably he would want it to.”
Charles began treatment in early February.
SUN readers have rallied around the Princess of Wales to reassure her with a flood of letters of support and love. Here’s a selection.
TO hear of Kate’s illness came as a shock and I am saddened like many people. Now perhaps all the speculation will end and the quiet and privacy Kate needs can be given to her.
June Shandley, New Milton, Hants
I HAD a major abdominal op last October. My recovery took over 12 weeks. Total rest was essential so I understand why Kate has needed to rest. I wish her well.
Gloria Martin, Wisbech, Cambs
OUR love, best wishes and hugs go to Kate. She did not have to tell the world what was wrong but was brave to announce it. Get well.
Julie Davis, Gillingham, Kent
MY heart goes out to Princess Kate but also to Prince William. Get well soon, Kate.
Eileen Painter, Hainault, London
I HOPE many in the media take a step back. They vilified Kate day in, day out. At least The Sun had the decency to tell people to leave her alone.
Bill Gallup, Hounslow, London
I HOPE all those wicked trolls who’ve been picking on Princess Kate have now been silenced.
Jane Fisher, Newcastle upon Tyne
KATE has acted with dignity and has proven that she is truly a people’s princess.
Chris Torode, Richmond, N. Yorks
WHAT an incredible woman Kate has shown the world she is. It’s time everyone backed off and gave this family space to heal.
Quinn McGrady, Downpatrick, Co Down
KATE will receive the best treatment but it does show man’s biggest enemy, cancer, does not respect rank or position.
Paddy Maxwell, Southampton
OUR hearts go out to Kate and her family. Now they need peace to reflect on what to do next.
Ian Hill, Doncaster, S. Yorks
I FELT the impact of her address and wept. I pray for her swift recovery.
Mary Windsor, Mansfield, Notts