Mum's the word as Plymouth cancer survivor inspires others

A Plymouth mum-of-two is to feature on a Mother’s Day card on sale in Tesco stores across the nation to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Claire Barnard, an Estates Support Manager in Plymouth, features on the card which is on sale in all large stores ahead of Mother’s Day, March 31st.

She hopes that sharing her personal experience of cancer will reach other people whose lives have been touched by the disease, as well as helping to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Claire said: “I’m really thrilled to appear on Tesco’s Mother’s Day card to help raise money for Cancer Research UK and encourage more people to take part in the Race for Life.

“I was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a rare cancer which turned my life upside down. The one thing that kept me going, to stay strong and positive for, were my children. It was a terrible time and although I knew I would make it through, I could only do it by taking each day at a time.”

Now Claire dedicates her time and energy to volunteering at the Race for Life events in the South West.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life events.

Sarah Pickersgill, Head of Events Marketing for Cancer Research UK, said: “We are very grateful to Claire and Tesco for their support. By following Claire’s lead, and joining the Race for Life, everyone can make a real difference to people with cancer, right now.

“Race for Life events are fun, colourful and uplifting. Taking part in the events enables like-minded people to get together and remember loved ones lost to cancer or celebrate the lives of those who have survived.”

Tesco has been the proud partner of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life for 18 years.

Claire’s card is one of a limited range, produced by Hallmark for sale in Tesco stores, featuring real mums and the part they play in the Race for Life.

Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, added: “By sharing inspiring stories through these cards, we hope to support those affected by the disease and encourage the nation to join the Race for Life.’

Thanks to everyone who raises money, Cancer Research UK is able to support research to help beat 200 types of cancer. The good news is more people are surviving the disease than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has double since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

To join the Race for Life, visit www.raceforlife.org