A STUDENT at South Trafford College has met the Duchess of York to discuss her six year fight against bone cancer.

Ruba Al-Fikaiki, from Sale, presented the Duchess with a bouquet of flowers during her visit to Christie Hospital.

Ruba has had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and three operations, including the amputation of her left arm.

But despite all her problems she has continued with her studies, gaining merits, and Ruba is now hoping to become a pharmacist.

Ruba said: "I have had a lot of support from the hospital. It has helped to make me strong."

She added that it was very helpful being on the teenage unit with people her own age, as they were able to support each other.

Sarah, Duchess of York, visited Christie's as a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, TCT, a charity which helped to create a special teenage facility at Manchester's famous cancer centre.

She gave Ruba a bandanna to mark the TCT's Bandanna Week from May 25 to June 4 when several stores will be selling them for £5 in support of the charity.

Professor Tim Eden, head of Christie's Young Oncology Teenage Cancer Trust Unit, said: "The Duchess saw the magnificent work that the Teenage Cancer Trust does here.

"The TCT recognises that young people need to cope with the pressure of adolescence as well as their cancer and has helped to create an environment which reflects that."

The restructuring was carried out by the Teenage Cancer Trust, with help from the Wooden Spoon Society, as part of the hospital's £25m 'Christie's Against Cancer' appeal to finance advances in cancer research, treatment and care.

The appeal marks the Christie's centenary this year and is within £500,000 of its target.