Dame Deborah James's parents praise Kate Middleton's 'bravery' in opening up ... trends now

The parents of Dame Deborah James have praised Kate Middleton's 'bravery' in opening up about her cancer battle.

Heather, 66, and Alistair James, 68, whose daughter journalist Deborah died from bowel cancer in 2022, sent their love to the Princess of Wales.

The pair believe Kate's 'courage' in speaking publicly about her diagnosis will convince more people to go to the doctor for check-ups and said Deborah would be 'proud' of the princess.

Speaking to The Sun, the couple said: '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.'

Dame Deborah, who was known as Bowelbabe, survived for five and a half years with the disease before her death, spending that time tirelessly campaigning and fundraising.

She received a damehood from Prince William for services to charity and cancer awareness one month before her death in May 2022.

'We know if Deborah were here to send Kate a message, she would tell the Princess of Wales to hold on to rebellious hope,' her parents said of Kate's statement. 

'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.'

Heather and Alistair said they believe Deboarh's positive attitude helped her survive as long as she did, and gave them more time with her. 

Kate, 42, revealed in a video issued on Friday evening that she was diagnosed with cancer last month, having spent a fortnight in the private London Clinic following 'major' abdominal surgery in January.

She is now on what has been described as a

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