The Princess of Wales participated in a heartfelt celebration on a hospital cancer ward for a young mother who had completed her chemotherapy treatment. On Thursday, Kate joined family and staff at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester to congratulate Claire Lorente, 30, who traditionally rang a bell on the unit to mark the emotional milestone.
The ceremony came as a welcome surprise for patient Claire Lorente, her partner Pablo, and their son Enzo, as the princess visited to observe the wide range of holistic care available at The Christie. Kate embraced Ms Lorente and said, “Well done you. What a journey. It’s been a tough one, yeah? You have done brilliantly. Well done.” She also hugged Pablo and remarked, “Well done. It’s just as hard for the family and loved ones.” To Enzo, she said, “Isn’t mummy brave.” Kate then joined the well-wishers in encouraging a tearful Ms Lorente to ring the bell, saying, “You can do it.”
Kate revealed at the start of last year that she was in remission after receiving chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, caring for more than 60,000 patients annually and serving a population of 3.2 million from Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. Among its holistic therapies, all free of charge to patients and carers, are drop-in art classes, a wellbeing garden, and a chaplaincy service.
