Claire’s secondary breast cancer forced her to stop sports and retire from her work as a PE teacher and coach. She tells us how she returned to the activities she loves and became determined to use them to raise awareness and spread hope.
Could you tell us about your breast cancer diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. I had , and a full left .
I’ve always been a very keen tennis player, and I was worried my operation would affect that. I had to stop playing after my operation due to recovery. I also couldn’t play as much at the start of chemotherapy as it made me so weak.
I was scared, so I didn’t mix with people during my first chemotherapy. But I’ve altered my thinking since. Being active at any level really helped me cope both mentally and physically.
After my mastectomy, I slowly rebuilt my strength and got back into playing tennis.
Were you able to stay active after that?
By 2019, I was struggling with pain in my right pelvis. The hospital assumed it was a tennis injury, but they found out the breast cancer had spread into my right pelvis and left femur. I needed a hip replacement and radio frequency , meaning I couldn’t play sport again for a several months.
The following year, the cancer had spread to my spine, ribs and liver. I was put on another type of chemotherapy and more radiotherapy.
This slowly became even more serious. In January 2022 I was told I might not make it to the summer.
I fought back and rebuilt myself, but things got worse again in October 2023. My liver stopped functioning properly and my body was building up more fluid. Eventually, I was unable to do very much. I looked like I was carrying triplets in my abdomen.
My oncologist was reluctant to give me any more chemotherapy or similar treatment, because I'd lost a lot of weight. I then started to have a build-up of fluid and ended up in hospital for weeks to have it removed, followed by a permanent drain.
I refused to give up. I demanded a new type of chemotherapy, which I started in October 2023.
The next February, the fluid stopped building up and I was stronger. I started playing some tennis again. The permanent drain was restricting what I could do, so I asked for to be removed.
I do get very tired at times. I can be in a lot of pain, and can struggle to do things. But this year, I’ve slowly built up my strength and fitness levels.
How did you get back into playing sport more regularly?
Tennis is one of the best sports for people to get involved in because you can play at different levels, either for fun or competitively. I got back to playing doubles and was asked to play for my club again. It was amazing. I’ve adapted my game to suit my weaker areas and I think I now play tennis better than ever.
Last summer, I wanted to try something new, so had my first season playing ladies’ cricket. I kept going after the season finished, playing indoor cricket over the winter. Now I play pairs softball, pairs hardball and T20 cricket. I feel so lucky to be playing sport again. Life is too short to be missing out doing things I want to do.
I got back into hockey, too, which I've played since school. I never believed I’d be able to play goalkeeper again but I thought ‘stuff it, life is for living!’ I’m now gently training with a club once a week, and I’ve played a few matches in my first season back as a keeper.
What motivates you to stay active?
I’m fully aware my situation is terminal. The last 2 scans showed that there has been further spread in my hip and pelvis area, and to my bowel and an enlarged vertebrae section. But my liver is functioning well and my blood test results are good, so there are still positives.
I’m here and I’m still fighting. I’m loving life again, determined to get as much time as I can.
I have a wife called Suzi. Together we have 2 children, Evie and Frances. They’re my world, and I have to do whatever I can to be here for them for as long as I can.
Memories mean everything to me. Last month, when I played in a mixed doubles tennis tournament at Thongsbridge Tennis Club, the organisers allowed me to play with my 10-year-old nephew, Sammy. We went on and won it - a massive achievement! We got to have our names engraved on the winners’ board at the club. It created such an amazing memory for us both.
How has being active impacted your life post diagnosis?
Being active is my survival outlet. It makes me feel better when I’m low and, without a doubt, it helps with my treatment side-effects.
Although I’m still going for regular blood tests and continuous chemotherapy, I’m back to playing regular sports. I feel alive again.
The hospital, instead of being cautious about me playing sport, now say ‘just go and do what you want to do and enjoy your life. You’ll do it anyway, despite what we say!’
Can you tell us about your pink kit?
I was looking online at new hockey goalkeeper kits to make playing as safe as possible. I was inspired when I saw the OBO goalkeeper gear. There it was, bright pink: Breast Cancer Now colours!
I met with Baseline Hockey, who were amazing and so supportive. They kitted me out with pink and white OBO hockey equipment within a week.
Then I checked out Wilson’s website and saw that they did customised tennis rackets. I was so excited when I saw they could be in pink and white.
I managed to contact Wilson through a tennis coach at my club, Thongsbridge Tennis Club. The club is my go-to place and has got me through very difficult periods. After I got in touch, Wilson had a racket custom-made for me in the USA and sent it over to support my story. Wow!
What’s the goal of your campaign?
I see sports professionals raise so much awareness and inspire so many people. I’m a mum, aged 50 with a terminal diagnosis. Could I also encourage people, including those with a diagnosis, to play tennis, cricket or any sport, and feel alive and inspired?
I’d like to think that I could inspire others with my story. There are so many activities out there for people with a cancer diagnosis. I believe people should never be discouraged from getting active. I think it can only ever help someone cope with this horrendous illness.
I’d also like to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer and help people have hope. Despite having a terminal illness, doing sport helps you make the most of your time. And time is what we all need.
Before starting vigorous physical activity, make sure to talk to your GP or treatment team.
Have you been inspired to get active?
If you’d like to get active like Claire, you can find information and support to help you get back into exercise through our We Are Undefeatable campaign.