Claire Joins as Ambassador Following £20,000 Challenge
Local mum, Claire Fleming has hit her £20,000 fundraising target for teenagers and their families affected by cancer.
In March 2016, Claire launched Christopher’s CLAN Challenge in memory of her brother Christopher who lost his battle with cancer twenty years before at the age of just 14.
Her aim was to raise £20,000 to mark the twentieth anniversary of his death, undertaking a series of challenges, with all money raised going to local charity CLAN Cancer Support.
Support for the Challenge has been excellent, from donations from complete strangers, family and friends hosting events from ceilidhs to afternoon teas and ladies days, a lip-sync challenge, craft fairs, cinema screenings, quiz nights and bake sales. Her colleagues have also stepped up even joining her jumping from a plane at 10,000 feet! The Challenge was even raised in and commended by the Scottish Parliament.
Claire has also completed the Balmoral 5k, Baker Hughes 10k, Great Aberdeen Run, and the Aberdeen and Dundee 26 mile Kiltwalks.
Claire Comments: “While I originally hoped to raise the money over 12 months, it took 20 months to hit target – equating to £1000 per month, which I still think is pretty fabulous! The support I’ve received since the outset has been overwhelming and very emotional. I am looking forward to seeing how the marvellous team at CLAN will put this money to use.
“Twenty years ago, support and services for teenagers fighting cancer and their and wider support group were not readily available. Times have changed and CLAN does a fabulous job, but more can always be done – after all being a teenager is tough enough without facing the challenge of cancer!
“One of the most touching things for me has been messages from old school friends of both mine and both my brothers. Nearly all mentioned that Christopher’s battle with cancer was their first encounter with this cruel disease, and his death, their first experience of death - and there was no real support on offer. My hope is that this money will be used to not only support those tackling a cancer diagnosis, but also their siblings and friends too.
Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN Cancer Support Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at CLAN I would like to congratulate Claire on reaching her fundraising target. The support Claire has had throughout her challenge from family, friends, colleagues and people who have been inspired by her story has been amazing.
“As well as raising vital funds for CLAN, Claire’s challenge has also helped to raise further awareness of support we provide for children, teens and young people affected by cancer via our dedicated Children & Families Service.
“I am also delighted to say that Claire has agreed to continue her work with CLAN as a CLAN Ambassador and I look forward to continue to work with Claire through her role in the future.”
Claire continues: “Throughout this challenge what has kept me going, whether while training for a run, or simply finding time to update the Challenge webpage, is the fact that I can do these things, so many people can’t, so why not. I’ve also discovered that fundraising and volunteering are not entirely selfless activities, I have taken away so much, from experiences, to understanding my own abilities and I also believe it’s helped get me through some difficult times, putting everything in perspective. I’d encourage anyone to take on a challenge for a cause close to their hearts. I for one, will continue to be an Ambassador for CLAN.
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About CLAN
CLAN Cancer Support is a well-established local charity providing emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. We offer a relaxed, welcoming and caring environment both at CLAN House, our purpose-built support and wellbeing centre in Aberdeen, and at our many bases in the community.
Over the last 30 years CLAN has developed specialist knowledge and understanding of how a diagnosis of cancer impacts not just the person diagnosed but also their wider circle of family and close friends. Our range of person centred services, delivered using qualified and experienced counsellors and therapists, offers a holistic approach for the general wellbeing of our clients.
Services available include information and support, counselling, complementary therapies, social and wellbeing activities and dedicated support for children and families. For those travelling to Aberdeen hospitals for appointments or treatment, we also offer affordable B&B accommodation at CLAN Haven alongside assistance with transport to and from hospital.
CLAN aims to help people live with and beyond cancer and improve the quality of life for all those who turn to us for help and support. We rely on the generosity of so many individuals, families and companies to ensure the ongoing provision of our free services. More detailed information on our services and fundraising activities can be found on the relevant pages of our website or you can contact any of our local centres.
CLAN - Children & Family Services (CFS)
CLAN’s CFS provides support to children, young people and their families who are directly or indirectly affected by cancer. The current service is well established in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Elgin. CLAN’s aim is to further develop this service provision throughout our 11 community bases by expanding the presence of specialist staff. The project will support children and young people when a family member or friend has received a cancer diagnosis through pre and post-bereavement emotional support. The team will also work with children, young people and their families in the occurrence of the child or young person receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Contact:
Claire Fleming; 07880358920
Email: Clairefleming@r2s.co.uk
