My friend Claire died in May. We were friends for 22 years and I miss her terribly.

After two years of misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting, Claire was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After more poor medical treatment she was told that the cancer had spread and was incurable.

Faced with a terminal diagnosis Claire endured gruelling treatments, spent time with her loved ones, and continued her important work in international development. She also decided to campaign for improved outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer. As part of this she set up “Claire’s Campaign” through Tenovus.

Claire’s Campaign aims to give a voice to women suffering from gynaecological cancer as well as improving treatment for, and therefore outcomes, for those women. Claire knew that it was too late for her but wanted to help effect change for the benefit of others.

In time I am hoping to do more to support Claire’s Campaign, but for now I am running the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds. I know that funds raised will be put to use to continue Claire’s important campaigning work.

I suppose I am asking you to sponsor me so that, perhaps, your friend (or mother/sister/daughter) won’t have to go through what my friend did.

My lovely friend Angharad (who paid my entry fee) and equally lovely sister Sian are running the half marathon with me. I am very grateful for their support.

Anne

xx