In loving memory of Claire Wilkinson

Claire Wilkinson’s journey was one of incredible courage and unwavering love. In October 2002, Claire’s life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with a rare form of medullary thyroid cancer at the age of 34. Despite the daunting diagnosis, she faced it head-on, undergoing numerous extensive surgical procedures, including a thymectomy, thyroidectomy, neck dissections on both sides, extensive gland removals and later, sterioactic radiotherapy. Her strength was undeniable, but the cancer continued to spread, and in 2016, it metastasized to her lungs and she was also diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome.

In 2012, Claire and her husband Andy made a life-changing decision that spoke volumes about their selflessness and dedication to their family. They took in her 9 month old grandson, Mackenzie, under a special guardianship order when the only other option would have been the care system. This act of love was a testament to their unwavering commitment to those they cared for, even as Claire battled her own health challenges.

In 2015, life dealt another blow when Claire's husband, Andy, suffered a TIA. Together they navigated this challenge and managed both of their health whilst still caring for then 4 year old Mackenzie.

In 2018, Claire's health took another severe turn. When going into hospital for a routine tumour removal, Claire was discovered to have contracted pneumonia which then led to sepsis and a lengthy stay in the intensive care unit and the family were told to prepare for the worst. It was following this that she received a terminal diagnosis. Rather than surrender, Claire volunteered to participate in a first in human drug trial for the rare type of cancer she had. Claire's outlook was that, although it could not cure her, she could help others in a similar situation. For the next five years, Claire and Andy traveled to London every month to undergo treatment at Guys and St Thomas hospital, mostly financed from their own savings.

In February this year Claire was found to have broken 4 metatarsals in her left foot. After an operation to attempt to treat this, Claire developed gangrene in her toes which quickly began to spread. After investigations into the cause of the gangrene it was found that Claire's arteries were heavily calcified leading to a poor blood supply throughout her body, causing her lower leg to start dying off. Claire spent the last few months navigating the possibility of amputation of both of her feet and the worry of the implications of such drastic surgery to her general health. Claire was in unwavering pain with this condition throughout and Andy was her primary care support, often having to dress her wounds and tend to her personal care all whilst sheilding Mackenzie as best as possible.

In May 2024, while in London for her final routine appointment, Claire unexpectedly suffered a catastrophic gastrointestinal bleed - a condition with an occurrence rate of 0.1% in 100,000. This resulted in multiple blood transfusions and another stay in intensive care whilst yet again the family were told to prepare for the worst. Once again, she defied the odds and fought to survive.

Over the course of the last 22 years, Claire has had frequent admissions to North Devon District Hospital, Musgrove Park hospital, Derriford hospital, Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, Guy's hospital and St Thomas's hospital. These have unfortunately been almost weekly over recent months.

Sadly, last week the cancer spread to Claire's gallbladder and caused it to rupture. After a short stay in North Devon District Hospital Claire's body could no longer fight the resulting infections.

On August 8, 2024, Claire Wilkinson passed away in North Devon District Hospital, surrounded by her beloved husband Andy and two of her daughters. After 30 years of marriage, Andy lost his wife, and the world lost a remarkable woman who had faced every challenge with grace and an unbreakable spirit. Claire’s devotion to her family, particularly her grandchildren, remained her guiding light through even the darkest times.

Now, as her family mourns the loss of this incredible woman, they face an uncertain future. Andy was forced to give up work and focus solely on Claire's care for the last 15 years. He managed all of her appointments, medications and support with general care 24/7. With Claire’s passing, financial support has ceased, leaving Andy and Mackenzie facing immense challenges, including the loss of their mobility car and possibly their home and all savings have been used to fund Claire's ongoing medical appointments and travel.

Although some financial support is available for the funeral service, we are raising funds to cover additional costs and to help Andy and Mackenzie to navigate this difficult period. Claire devoted her life to 13 year old Mackenzie and Andy is now Mackenzie's sole legal guardian. He promised Claire that he would provide the best life for Mackenzie in her absence and any additional funds will be used to secure Mackenzie's future and give him a memorable childhood that his Nanny would be proud of and he truly deserves.