Kate Middleton has received a heartwarming message of encouragement during her cancer battle, coming from a former prisoner whom she inspired to turn away from a life of crime.
Francesca Fattore, 44, who credits Kate for helping her get back on track and now campaigns for female inmates, said: “I’m sending you so much love – please keep fighting. And always remember: You haven’t got to live with cancer, cancer has to live with you – and you won’t let it beat you.”
Fran, who found motivation behind bars through Kate’s visit to HMP Send in Surrey, had the opportunity to share her story with the Duchess. Fran’s selection for the royal meeting followed her successful completion of a 12-week rehabilitation program.
On sharing a sofa with the Princess, Fran said: “I was extremely nervous but she immediately made me feel relaxed, she was just so genuine and sincere. Nothing was false about her – I could tell she genuinely wanted to hear my story and really cared about what I had to say.
“Having the privilege to sit with her inspired me to keep going and made me realise I was on the right path. She made me feel worthy and the experience left me on cloud nine. The video was also posted on the Kensington Royal social media accounts and I was the talk of the prison for weeks which was a really nice feeling.”
Kate, aged 42, received praise for her courageous decision to publicly disclose her cancer diagnosis two weeks ago, which helped others facing similar struggles feel less isolated.
The mother of three’s revelation came after weeks of rampant speculation about her health. Fran, who is currently caring for her 72-year-old mother Janet battling the same illness, understands firsthand the immense pain it can bring.
She added: “It’s devastating, shocking and leaves you feeling completely powerless. Kate’s diagnosis really touched me, especially with everything my mum is going through. I was absolutely gutted for her because she is such a genuine, lovely and caring person – It could happen to anyone, so why her? Mum couldn’t believe it either, she was so sad for her and said she understood how she must be feeling.”
The connection between the two was established during an official visit to the women’s closed category jail in 2020, when Fran was serving a portion of her three-year sentence for drug offenses.
Fast forward four years, she has completely turned her life around and now provides assistance to numerous other female inmates through her YouTube channel, UK Ex Female Prisoner.
Balancing her YouTube endeavors with her full-time role as a branch manager at a car firm, her videos offer practical guidance on navigating life in jail and feature interviews with former inmates discussing their experiences behind bars.
Recently, she collaborated with a former prison mental health specialist to create a supportive Facebook group, providing a safe space for female inmates.
This online community serves as a non-judgmental platform offering practical assistance on various issues ranging from housing to gambling addiction and general mental health concerns.
Frustrated by the lack of support accessible to women before, during, and after incarceration, the duo took proactive steps to address this issue.
Fran said: “These women are going in for short sentences which are absolutely absurd because they’re losing their homes, their kids and they get stuck in the revolving door of prison and re-offending. It breaks my heart and our goal is to end that cycle and provide better solutions for women.”
