Claire’s breast cancer diagnosis
Claire, a Family Support Worker from Norwich, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She received treatment at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, which included chemotherapy, surgery, and then radiotherapy. In 2023, Claire was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer.
Claire’s connection to Little Lifts
Claire first met Oa (Little Lifts’ founder) in 2014 as they went through treatment at the same time. Claire watched with interest as Oa was building Little Lifts and went to some of the early fundraising events, attending the first Little Lifts Ball at Dunston Hall.
She said: “I try to always look for silver linings, and one big silver lining at the time of my secondary diagnosis was that I received a Little Lifts Box. At last! And they are every bit as amazing as you would expect – filled with things to make life that little bit easier.”
Claire went on to attend the very first Little Lifts Retreat in November 2024, which she described as ‘life-changing,’ and took part in our 2026 Fashion Show speaking in front of 300 people.
Claire’s outlook on her diagnosis
“Cancer takes a lot from you – it’s unpredictable and scary, and treatment can be brutal at times. But cancer has also given me a lot. It has made my friendships stronger and more precious. Cancer has made me more determined to do things I would never have done before.”
What does Little Lifts mean to Claire?
“It means support, community, strength and a whole lot of gratitude. Little Lifts provides a bit of light during a dark and uncertain time of the lives of so many.”
Thank you to Claire for sharing her secondary breast cancer story, and for helping us to spread kindness to people affected by breast cancer.
Apply for your own Little Lifts Box here.
To learn more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, click here.
If you’d like to support more people like Claire, you can set up a regular donation and help Little Lifts continue supporting people through breast cancer treatment.