Bristol-born Star Wars legend David Prowse has sent a message of support to fellow cancer sufferer Jade Goody.

The Darth Vader actor, who is battling prostate cancer, said the Big Brother star should be ''thoroughly proud'' of all she has achieved.

The 73-year-old actor said Jade has raised the awareness of cervical cancer ''more than anyone else in memory''.

Mr Prowse, who appeared as the Dark Lord in the original Star Wars films, has been undergoing radiotherapy for two months.

He revealed his illness earlier this week on Absolute Radio in an attempt to raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Speaking from his home in Croydon, Surrey, he said: ''I now know what it's like to go through this treatment, and I have sympathy for anyone in the same position.

''Jade should be commended for her achievements, and should be thoroughly proud of raising the awareness of cervical cancer.

''She has done more than anyone else in memory to convince women to go for regular tests.''

Married father-of-three Prowse, who stands 6'7'' tall, added: ''If I can do the same for prostate cancer in men, then I will be happy.''

Body-builder Prowse was chosen to play the villain in Star Wars in 1976, but because of his West Country accent the character's lines were spoken by the deep-voiced American actor James Earl Jones.

He told Absolute Radio's Christian O'Connell that he was making good progress and felt ''fantastic'' despite his condition.

He said: 'I'm undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, would you believe. I'm having my very last treatment this morning.

''I've had two months of radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden. It's the most fantastic hospital. I feel fantastic, no problems whatsoever.''

Jade, 27, spent Sunday with her two sons Freddie, four, and Bobby Jack, five, her mum Jackiey (corr) Budden, 50, and her 21-year-old hubby Jack Tweed.

She has already made full arrangements for her funeral, which she hopes will be a 'celebration' of her life.

Jackiey said: ''It's not day by day now. It's more like hour by hour.''