September 1994, Claire was 12 years old when she was diagnosed as having osteosarcoma (bone cancer). It was devastating news, she was just about to start her second year in comprehensive school and was a very bright happy girl, always did well at school and was very popular. She loved horse riding, was a strong swimmer, played the piano well and enjoyed reading.

Claire's tumour was on her left humerus, she had to have 6 months chemotherapy and a huge operation to remove her humerus and replace it with both of her fibulas. Thankfully the operation was a success and Claire made a marvellous recovery. We bought her a horse for Christmas which was the love of her life. At the end of Claire's treatment in February, she had a CT scan of her chest and was found to have a fleck on her right lung. This was removed and we thought Claire was clear.

It was wonderful, Claire went from strength to strength, she loved looking after her horse and riding him, even though she now had limited use of her left arm, she was remarkable. Although she missed a lot of school she did well in GCSE's and went on to college to do her 'A' levels. She thoroughly enjoyed her 2 years at college and gained good 'A' level passes. She took a year out experiencing different jobs then, in September 2001 went to Glasgow Caledonian University to study Psychology, which she had done for 'A' level. She loved university life, both academically and socially.

Then our nightmare began again. Her back started to ache, no one thought it had anything to do with her past history as it was 8 years on. Tragically, in March when Claire had an MRI scan it was found that she had osteosarcoma on her spine and spinal cord. Claire's oncologist explained how difficult it was to treat.

Just before Claire's treatment began she lost the use of both her legs and had to undergo an emergency lamanectomy to relieve the pressure the tumour was causing on her spinal cord. Then Claire started 6 months chemotherapy. At just 19 years old, when she'd been having such a marvellous time in Glasgow,full of life and loving every minute of university, it was just too much to bear going from that to be told she had cancer again. Having chemotherapy with all the complications it entails (including chickenpox and high temperatures). Claire hated the indignity of it all, especially the hair loss. She had to deal with so much both mentally and physically I don't know how she coped, but she did and, as one doctor put it, her courage was "exemplary". During this time Claire was always eager and determined with her physiotherapy and much to her delight, learned to walk again.

After the chemotherapy came her massive back operation to remove the diseased bone and replace it with three metal rods. The dreadful complications arising from the operation were appalling for Claire and heartbreaking to witness. One of the complications led to a further operation to remove her gallbladder. She bore all this with amazing guts and managed to recover and learned to walk again.

She then had 5 weeks radiotherapy to get through and, by Christmas all of her treatment was over.

Late January we received the dreadful news that she had secondaries in her right lung and the tumour in her spine was growing again. Claire was absolutely devastated, we all were. She wanted to make the most of the time she had left to her, we weren't sure how long she had. We went to Glasgow with her best friend and saw her university friends for the last time.

Then she decided that she wanted an exotic holiday before she died, 2 weeks in Barbados was her choice, we went loaded with medical supplies and just about daily contact with the RVI in Newcastle who were absolutely brilliant. The holiday was everything Claire dreamt of sunshine, peace and reading her books.

When we returned home Claire's mobility began a gradual deterioration, with the nerve pains in her legs being frequently unbearable. To watch her suffer as much as she did was truly horrendous. Claire died at home on 18th May 2003.

During all this Claire showed such amazing strength of character. She never lost her wonderful sense of humour or the thoughtfulness towards other people.

It was Claire's wish that we raise funds for osteosarcoma research. To respect her wish and to ensure that what she suffered was not in vain, every effort will be made to raise these funds and your help and kindness would be very much appreciated.

Claire's treatment was carried out at the RVI Newcastle on Tyne and the kindness and care that Claire and her family were shown in Ward 16 Teenage Cancer Unit was truly wonderful and Ward 16 proved to be a haven for Claire during this traumatic time in her life.