Kate hugs mum ringing 'end of cancer treatment' bell

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Kate hugs mum ringing 'end of cancer treatment' bell38 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleAndy Stenning/Daily Mirror/PA WireKate's visit was a welcome surprise for Claire Lorente, her partner Pablo, and their son on an already highly emotional dayThe 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.

The Details

"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.

What Experts Say

"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.

"Andy Stenning/Pool via REUTERSThe princess met people who are undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments 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.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.