Story
My wonderful twin sister Claire got diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma cancer in January this year. Understandably, this news came as a huge and devastating shock to Claire and all of her family and friends. Claire lives with her husband Darren and two boys, aged 9 and 3 in Lutton, Ivybridge. Their boys don’t know about Claire’s diagnosis so please bear this in mind. Treatment wise, Claire, so far, has undergone 2 rounds of immunotherapy and we are all feeling positive and very hopeful for her next scan results. Claire is extremely determined and brave and is continuing to be the most fantastic mum, wife, sister, daughter and friend that we all know and adore! Those that know Claire personally will not be surprised that she has been sitting in a hospital bed with her laptop and continuing to work full time!
Due to one of the tumours being in her brain, Claire was told immediately that she would no longer be able to drive. Although Claire feels very lucky to have family and friends’ support, she became very aware that other parents with cancer and a young family would not be as fortunate to be managing the tricky task of making sure children get to school/nursery and extra curricular activities etc… as well as keeping working full time and dealing with all of the normal but essential tasks that running a family involves. Endless hospital appointments and two very urgent dashes to Derriford Hospital made her particularly sympathise with parents without any support that simply cannot leave their children at home and subsequently, may be completely unable to attend appointments or emergency situations, potentially risking their own lives and futures. The Osborne Trust is a charity that gives support to parents living with cancer and their families with children aged 0-18. This could involve a fun day trip out for the children whilst a parent is at an appointment, or rest-bite whilst a parent is recovering from or struggling with treatment. The charity runs 99% on donations alone so is a fantastic cause. Claire would also like to raise money for the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre that runs from Derriford Hospital. They offer a comfortable environment for patients and relatives to access a range of support. The centre is staffed by trained professionals and volunteers, many of whom have had/have personal experience with cancer.
My husband Simon and our boys will be helped by the Newquay Hornets Rugby Club to run a day of touch rugby etc to help to raise money for these charities. Details to come very soon! We would love to see as much support as possible and everybody will be welcome to attend. All funds raised will go directly to these two charities.