A mum-of-five will be 'making memories' with her family at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire after her shock terminal cancer diagnosis. Claire Francis claims she was repeatedly sent home with a viral infection after falling ill in February.
She sought medical help during a four-week period - but her observations were okay and it was suspected she had a viral infection, she said. But one consultant ordered a full body scan where the tumours were found, with one of those crushing the nerve to her vocal cord.
Claire was moved to the City Hospital, Nottingham, to begin treatment - where she was then told she also has lung cancer. Claire, who's had surgery to have a tracheostomy fitted to help her breathe, explained she was once told her condition was to do with stress, adding she subsequently found out she had three brain tumours and lung cancer.
Read more: Nottingham mum-of-five was 'sent home with a virus' - but it turned out to be terminal cancer
As her friends and family cherish every waking moment with her, money is being raised for her and family. The Lashes Foundation made a contribution towards a weekend away to help create some respite for Claire and also allow her to make valuable memories with her family.
The Foundation was created in July 2021 by parents Lee and Emma Wilson who devastatingly lost Evie, of Clipstone, aged 13. The charity was set up to keep Evie's legacy alive, carry on her kindness and help others in the local community – just like she did.
The funds have been used to pay for a break for Claire, her partner and children to Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest, from May 15. Dad Darren Francis, who works for EMAS and is from Arnold, said: "She is going on May 15 - it's there for making memories with her partner and kids, and it is Monday to Friday."
Claire, 38, of Carlton, is planning visit those at a drum 'n' bass body workout fundraiser, which has been organised by friend, fitness trainer and ex-semi professional footballer Tonylee Brown to raise money.
The event, which anyone can join, is at TLB fitness, The Wellness Centre, 2nd Floor, 135-139 Victoria Road, Netherfield, Nottinghamshire, NG4 2PD, on Saturday, May 13, at 12.30pm. Bookings can be made here.
Childhood friend Sasha Karimjee, 39, a support worker, who runs the registered charity Polly's Poppadoms, has also been raising money for Claire. Donations can be made: to Polly's Poppadoms, Sort code - 30 90 89 - Account number - 46006668.
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