An inspirational mum in remission from breast cancer was chosen to open a new superstore dedicated to saving lives – just in time for Christmas.
Clare Lappin, from Neilston, was guest of honour at the launch of Cancer Research UK’s superstore at Forge Retail Park, Glasgow.
She joined scientist Dr Saadia Karim to cut the ribbon at the store, which will raise funds for life-saving cancer research – just like the cutting-edge treatment she received this year.
Clare was diagnosed with breast cancer on April 8 and understands all too well how vital research is. After successful surgery and radiotherapy treatment, Clare was prescribed the hormone therapy drug Tamoxifen.
Cancer Research UK-funded scientists shaped the way Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer today and their work helped prove the benefits of taking Tamoxifen after surgery for women with the most common type of breast cancer.
Clare, 54, said: “I’m proud to support life-saving research, to reach out to everyone this Christmas going through cancer and let them know they’re not alone.
“Cancer touches almost all of us in some way. Either we’ve lived it ourselves or helped a loved one, family member, friend or colleague. Cancer has changed me. It forced me to slow down.
“I’ve faced anxious moments this year, feelings of uncertainty and tiredness during treatment. I’ve cried. I couldn’t have got through it without my very best friend, my husband Robert, and my mum Irene.”
Clare knows there will be tears of happiness and hope as she celebrates Christmas with her husband Robert, 54, and son Thomas,17.
“I’ve had stellar support from my son Thomas,” she said. “He never ceases to amaze me. He kept me smiling and even laughing through the darkest of days.
“Thomas was sitting his Higher exams at school this spring around the time of my cancer treatment. He did well to hold it all together and I was bursting with pride after his results came back and he earned a place at university to study Astrophysics.”
With around 34,600 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland, the charity is determined to continue its mission of funding life-saving research.
Its shops, including its superstore in Paisley, are vital to that ambition. Over the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double breast cancer survival in the UK.
Clare, who is a corporate partnerships manager for Cancer Research UK, first contacted her doctor in March after noticing a swelling under her right arm.
She was referred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley but after tests, including a mammogram and ultrasound, the consultant explained that they thought Clare may actually have cancer in her left breast. Six days later, biopsy results confirmed the diagnosis but doctors explained the cancer had been caught early.
Clare had lumpectomy surgery on April 17, followed by five days of radiotherapy treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, with her final session taking place on June 3.
Treatment coincided with the 20th anniversary of the death of Clare’s big sister, Louise Kenmuir, who died in April 2004 aged 38 after years suffering an eating disorder.
“My big sister Louise had a beautiful nature, a brilliant brain and was the kindest of people,” Clare reflected. “I really missed my sister during cancer treatment.
“I’d always thought I’d do something special; some fundraising to mark the 20th anniversary of losing Louise. I felt sad that cancer had put these plans on hold but this is now something to plan for next year.”
The Forge Retail Park superstore is selling everything from electrical items to clothing and soft furnishings, gifts and women’s, men’s and children’s clothing – with profits going to fund research.
Cancer Research UK superstore manager Michelle Fisher said: “We are incredibly grateful to Clare. We hope her story of courage encourages people to support our new superstore in Glasgow so that we can continue to fund the very best scientists in Scotland and across the UK.
“We’re working towards a world where we can all live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Almost one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime – but together we can beat it.”
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