The Duchess of Gloucester returned to a Beechwood Cancer Care Centre 20 years after her first visit to see the progress of the work the Stockport charity carries out.

The Duchess was met by Ian Hodge, the chief executive of Beechwood, and the chair of trustees Tony Wilson, who showed her around the building and spoke about the services the charity provides.

Beechwood, based on Chelford Grove, in Bridgehall, offers support to those living with cancer and other life-limiting illness, as well as their relatives and carers.

It first began offering cancer care in 1990 and now provides one-to-one and group counselling sessions, and complementary therapies to thousands of people.

The Duchess last visited Beechwood 20 years ago – in 1997 – and since this visit, the charity has seen major extension and refurbishment of its building and services – most notably the Butterfly Family Centre that was made possible by a 12-month appeal.

The Butterfly Appeal raised £120,000 to build a devoted family support unit to mark the centre’s 20th birthday, and now helps families get back on their feet after an illness or bereavement.

The charity’s staff, volunteers and patients were delighted to meet with the Duchess and talk about their experiences of working at Beechwood and receiving care.

Mr Hodge said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Duchess through the doors of Beechwood.

“A lot of changes have happened since her last visited and it was satisfying to be able to show her the progress of the charity and the great work that the staff and volunteers perform to help people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Greater Manchester.”