Kate hugs mum ringing 'end of cancer treatment' bell

The Princess of Wales has hugged and congratulated a young mother celebrating the completion of her course of chemotherapy.

Kate, who revealed at the start of last year she was herself in remission from cancer, joined Claire Lorente as the 30-year-old rang the "end of treatment bell" at The Christie hospital in Manchester in front of family members and staff.

The princess was visiting the specialist cancer unit to see the wide range of holistic care that is offered there.

Kate told Claire: "Well done you - what a journey! It's been a tough one, yeah? You have done brilliantly. Well done."

Kate also embraced Claire's partner Pablo and said: "Well done. It's just as hard for the family and loved ones."

And she said to Claire's young son: "Isn't Mummy brave?"

The princess encouraged her to ring the bell while saying: "You can do it!"

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, looking after more than 60,000 patients a year, and serves a population of 3.2 million people from Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.

Among its holistic therapies, all free of charge to patients and carers, are drop-in art classes, a well-being garden and a chaplaincy service.

Kate joined in an art session with six patients.

Resident artist Patricia Mountfield told her: "It can be very isolating for some people.

"We have patients who come in and forget about everything while they are in here."

Talking about having cancer, the princess said: "It changes you in so many ways physically but also emotionally and psychologically, and actually finding ways to express that and to explore that is quite difficult.

"To do this in a clinical setting is really important."

One patient, named Andi, said: "It's been a lifeline for me. I have come in for my fix.

"I didn't think something so good could come out of having breast cancer and it's amazing to find this family, this community.

"It really helps me going forward.

"I'm not naturally talented but I'm evolving."

Kate replied: "It's great this opportunity is here."

She then moved to the adjoining well-being garden where patients and staff can take a moment to pause and reflect and spoke to patients undergoing treatment.

Kate completed her visit at The Christie's Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit, where young patients can take part in social and recreational activities with facilities including a music room, gym and lounge.

Roger Spencer, chief executive of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said it had been an "honour" to show Kate what was available.

"We're proud to have a person-centred approach to care that focuses on the individual, and not just their diagnosis," he said.

Following the visit, Kate posted on social media that meeting patients, families and staff had been "a powerful reminder that healing is about so much more than treatment alone".

"A cancer diagnosis affects every part of life, in mind, body and the deeper part of ourselves," she said.

"The way we process fear, uncertainty and change is deeply personal."

She said the holistic care at The Christie "empowered" patients to "play an active role" in their recovery.

"Thank you for sharing your stories with me, and for the compassion, creativity and dedication shown every day across the hospital," she added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.