A BELL which sounds to give cancer patients hope has been dedicated to Glasgow’s ‘Princess of the Beatson’.

Student Francesca Mancini, an Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Editor’s Award winner, gave hundreds of people the strength to cope with cancer before losing her own battle with the disease last year.

The ‘end of treatment’ bell was unveiled at the Beatson Cancer Charity’s café at Gartnavel Hospital on Tuesday, in memory of the young woman who became a much-loved ambassador and fundraiser for the organisation.

It will be rung by people when they finish their last round of cancer treatment, as Francesca’s mum May explains.

May said: “Everyone knew Francesca at the Beatson, and this bell will help keep her memory alive.

“We hope that seeing and hearing patients ring the bell will give people hope, whether they are at the beginning of their cancer journey or at the end. And we hope it will give them the strength to keep going.”

She smiles: “The fact it’s in the café will mean that more people will hear it and understand what it means.

“We’re so grateful to Beatson Cancer Charity for doing this, and for everything they did for Francesca.”

Francesca, from Bishopbriggs, was a biomedical science student when she was first diagnosed with cancer.

A tumour the size of a grapefruit was removed from her chest and she went on to make a full recovery after receiving treatment for stage four Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2015.

But in 2016 the cancer spread to her lungs and liver and she lost her fight for life just a few weeks before her 21st birthday.

In her memory, May and her husband Osvaldo and Francesca’s younger sister Chiara have continued to fundraise tirelessly for the Beatson.

Last year, they rallied the biggest team ever to take part in the Off the Beatson Track event in August, raising a whopping £35,000.

Francesca had bravely shared her story in many charity films and appeals and she had often spoken publicly on behalf of the charity to bring to the attention of everyone, especially young people, the need to keep fighting and not let cancer win.

She was keen to raise awareness in order to support others in the same situation and for future generations - something the charity will work hard to support in her memory.

May accepted a posthumous Editor’s Award on her daughter’s behalf at the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year gala dinner.

May, Osvaldo and Chiara were joined by Francesca’s grandad Jim to unveil the bell and it was an emotional moment for them all when the bell was rung for the very first time.

Osvaldo, who now works in the café, explains: “I feel so much pride and happiness for them.

“It will add to the good feeling the café already tries to bring – creating a bit of hope and warmth to people who need it and might not get it anywhere else.

“Everyone needs love and support and that’s what Beatson Cancer Charity is here for, and we’ll never forget that.”

Beatson Cancer Charity’s Head of Trading, Kathleen McLaren, said: “We are delighted to have unveiled the ‘end of treatment’ bell in the Beatson café in Francesca’s memory.

“It has quickly become the centrepiece, and we hope it will help bring support and strength to patients.

“Francesca was an exceptional young lady who did so much for the charity, making a real, lasting difference to thousands of people across Scotland.

“She will be remembered for many wonderful things by lots of people, and this new bell will be yet another lovely reminder.”