Britain's Duchess Camilla wants to open specialist cancer support centres in every major UK city.
Duchess Camilla
The 67-year-old duchess visited Seven Stories, a Maggie's facility in Newcastle which opened at the Freeman Hospital in 2013, yesterday (28.01.15) and spoke of her pride in the work of the charity, of which she is president.
After watching a tai chi session and chatting to cancer patients who use the centre for emotional and practical support, Camilla unveiled a commemorative piece of art and said: "I sort of feel I have been in on this from the very beginning; I have seen the centre from its first embryo.
"I've come here to see the finished article and it's wonderful and uplifting. Like every other Maggie's centre it is a happy place.
"The centre brings everybody together. It's the local community who get involved in raising all the money. It's their centre.
"I hope to have one of these in every major city."
Laura Lee, Maggie's chief executive, said the organisation are delighted to have Camilla's support.
She said: "I'm honoured to welcome the duchess to Maggie's in Newcastle.
"We're incredibly grateful for her continued support and the difference it makes to those who visit and work in our centres."