The Duchess of York has told young cancer patients "they don't need to face it alone" as she marked the first teenage cancer congress.
Sarah has worked with the Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990, helping to raise funds to build specialist units across the UK.
The charity's ninth international conference Edinburgh includes the inaugural Global Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Congress, bringing together young patients from the US and Australia to share their experiences.
The event was opened by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday with a £2.5 million funding pledge to improve cancer care for children and young people in Scotland.
The Duchess addressed a gala dinner on Tuesday and said: "If you are a teenager or young adult, you don't need to face cancer alone, and that's why this AYA Congress is extraordinary.
"I remember my first visit to Middlesex Hospital in 1990 where I met a girl called Delli. I remember the nurses were wearing blue jeans and Doc Martens and I though how cool it was to walk into a unit where the staff were listening and relating to young adults.
"It allowed Delli to remain creative throughout her treatment and she pursued her dreams of becoming a chef because she was supported to do that.
"It's the integrity that I stand by and the honour of young people and Delli is an extraordinary example of what can be achieved through team work and unity."
She added: "The specialism of teenage and young adult cancer care is moving from being national organisations to a global movement.
"It is truly humbling and brilliant to see you all gathered here to share knowledge and research to improve the lives of young people with cancer across the world.
"Coming together and sharing expert knowledge ensures that we strive to improve treatment and research which ultimately improves the lives and experiences of young people with cancer."
Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "Sarah, Duchess of York has been with us from the very beginning and has been absolutely instrumental in our journey.
"She was there at the opening of our very first unit in 1990 at the Middlesex Hospital in London. Since then, she has been with us very step of the way, making sure that young people with cancer in the UK don't have to face it alone.
"Sarah, Duchess of York has been at the majority of our 28 unit openings over the last 25 years and has been an amazingly loyal supporter of our International Conferences over the years. It's such an honour to have her here with us tonight at our Gala Dinner for our Global Congress in Edinburgh tonight.
"Everything that we do at Teenage Cancer Trust is focused on ensuring that young people with cancer receive the best care, treatment and support. Over the past three days, we have heard from experts from all four corners of the globe. By working together internationally, we ensure and encourage collaboration to improve the lives of young people with cancer."
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