Claire takes the lead in fund raising
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Claire Crawford with her sister Jayne Freeman after they had ran the Stormont Race For Life.
BALLYMONEY woman Claire Crawford is an inspiration to all, a cancer survivor who enjoys donning her running shoes in support of Cancer Research UK.
The 29-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in her kidney in September 2001, at the extremely young age of 22.
Claire recalls the day her life changed: "I had been sick since I was 16 or 17, on and off. My illness was difficult to pinpoint, and at times it was suggested I was suffering from ME or irritable bowel. It wasn't until I had visited the hospital numerous times that the tumour was found and eventually, a diagnosis made."
Renal cancer is a rare form which usually is found in men over 50 years of age, which is why it was difficult to diagnose and came as such a shock to Claire and her family. "I didn't think it would happen to me. I was a young healthy female, a non-smoker, everything looked positive for me.
“There are some cancers that the experts suggest are there from birth and this is what the theory is with my cancer. I have to say I was a bit relieved when the diagnosis was made, though I knew it wasn't good. Once I knew what the cause was I could think of getting better. And when I was told the tumour was operable I knew I would have closure. It wasn't easy for my family or my fiancé, now husband, Steven. They felt so helpless."
After travelling the long road to recovery Claire finally returned to work at Ballymoney Borough Council in 2003. She and Steven were overjoyed when, despite her illness, Claire give birth to their son Tom, now three. But Claire's struggle didn't end there, unfortunately she developed endometriosis and had to undergo a hysterectomy in December 2007. However, Claire's experience and her refusal to let the Cancer hold her back any longer, give her the opportunity to be an inspiration to other cancer sufferers and help them in their fight against cancer.
“I like to think my story is a positive one which will encourage others" she said, "You only tend to hear negative stories, so I hope my story will give someone else hope that they too can beat cancer."
“It's very important to me to highlight the great work that Cancer Research are doing, and as well as highlight, to raise much needed funds."
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research and carries out £1.7m of charitable work in Northern Ireland each year.
Claire has already ran two Race For life events this year, accompanied by her sister and sister-in-law, they travelled to Stormont and Coleraine to participate, raise awareness and raise funds. She is currently training to compete in the Cancer Research 10k Run which takes place on Saturday September 7 at the Stormont Estate. This will be Ireland's first 10k Run for Cancer Research and it is hoped 600 runners will take part. They hope to raise at least £35,000 between them for the well deserving charity.
