Romsey woman battling rare cancer inspires friends

Suzanne Rogers, from Southampton, Stephanie Murray, from Totton, and Vanessa Riordan, from Hedge End, have dubbed themselves the 'Walkie Talkies'.

The trio will trek the Jurassic Coast on Saturday, May 17 in honour of their friend Claire Lupton, a 42-year-old Romsey woman battling a rare cancer.

Claire was diagnosed with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in 2017 after what was initially thought to be a benign lump was removed from her arm.

READ MORE: Teacher raises more than £2,800 for charity after completing marathon

From left, Claire, Vanessa, Suzanne and Stephanie. (Image: Contributed) It was later that it was diagnosed as cancer and further surgery was required.

Since then, Claire has endured rigorous surgeries, including the removal of a 2.2kg tumour from her abdomen in 2020 and an operation to remove one of her kidneys.

However, the cancer returned just a year later, manifesting in three new tumours.

Throughout her battle with the illness, Claire has remained determined to use her experiences to empower fellow patients and advocate for improved treatments.

She also advocates to health professionals for the need for better patient care and has an interest in the impact of cancer on patients’ mental health.

Suzanne, Stephanie and Vanessa enrolled in the fundraising walk after meeting Claire through work.

SEE MORE: Charity teams up with coffee shops to raise mental health awareness

From left, Suzanne, Vanessa and Stephanie. (Image: Contributed) They said they are inspired by her commitment to improving patient experiences and researching a cure for sarcoma.

Suzanne said: "Every day we see Claire working with Sarcoma UK and various medical studies to improve patient experiences and drive research into finding a cure for sarcoma.

"She's such an inspiration to us. We know that she will be there at the end of the walk with a banner and a bottle of prosecco."

To donate to the friends fundraising effort, go to justgiving.com/team/walkie-talkies53.

Claire has expressed her admiration for the 'Walkie Talkies' fundraising efforts.

She said: "I am so proud of my friends for doing this challenge for a charity that directly supports those affected by sarcoma.

"I have lived with sarcoma for over eight years. Sarcoma UK is a very personal charity to me.

"I love my friends and will always appreciate them for raising funds for the amazing work Sarcoma UK does."