Harrogate Teen With Rare Cancer Meets Prince And Princess Of Wales
Harrogate Teen With Rare Cancer Meets Prince and Princess of Wales
A teenage girl living in Harrogate with a rare form of cancer enjoyed a heartwarming meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales to mark a national awareness day.
Courageous Teenager
Lucy Slater, 19, has been battling anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, since she was diagnosed in 2019. Despite undergoing extensive treatment, the cancer has spread, and Lucy is receiving palliative care.
"It was a surprise and a privilege," Lucy said of her meeting with the royal couple. "They were so friendly and supportive, and it meant the world to me."
Royal Visit and Awareness
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at St James's University Hospital in Leeds to mark National Teenage Cancer Awareness Week. The couple met with patients like Lucy and their families, as well as with healthcare staff.
William, the Prince of Wales, said: "It was an honor to meet Lucy and others like her who are facing challenges with such courage and dignity. We can't thank enough the incredible NHS staff for the amazing work they do in supporting young people through the toughest of times."
Impact of the Meeting
Lucy's mother, Alison, said that the meeting with the royal couple had "lifted Lucy's spirits." She added, "It shows that people do care about young people with cancer, and that means a lot to us."
The Teenage Cancer Trust, which provides specialist care for young cancer patients, said that the visit was a "wonderful recognition of the unique challenges faced by teenagers and young adults with cancer."
"We are incredibly grateful to the Prince and Princess of Wales for their support, which will help to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and specialized care."