MANILLA’S Coombes family were among a chosen few to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Good Friday as part of the royal visit.
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Emma, Richard and daughter Olivia Coombes met William and Kate when the royals visited Sydney children’s hospice Bear Cottage.
The hospice is a place close to the family’s heart, as it’s where their little son, Patrick, spent his final days earlier this year.
Five-year-old Patrick captured the hearts of North West residents as he bravely fought an inoperable brain tumour, a fight he sadly lost in January.
The Manilla Preschool student passed away surrounded by his family after touching the hearts of residents across the region who rallied behind the Coombes family at fundraisers in Manilla and Tamworth.
Mrs Coombes said Bear Cottage had provided the family with invaluable support as they farewelled their son.
“There’s a real need for hospices, and for them (William and Kate) to create awareness is fantastic,” Mrs Coombes said.
The family was only one of six bereavement families who had the opportunity to meet the royal couple.
At the end of the visit, Bear Cottage presented the duke and duchess with a painting created using the fingerprints and footprints of children, siblings, parents, staff and volunteers of the hospice.