A Salford woman has praised “absolutely amazing” hospital staff after a terminal diagnosis turned her life upside down.
Claire Restall, 53, was diagnosed with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL), a form of blood cancer, on January 22 this year. Despite being given a terminal prognosis, Claire is undergoing treatment at Salford Royal Hospital‘s haematology unit to keep the cancer under control.
The lifelong Manchester United fan has this week completed a 25-lap fundraising walk around Old Trafford in a bid to give back to medical staff on the Haematology unit.
Claire, who describes herself as a United ‘superfan’, has recently returned to her seat at the United stadium after a long period away receiving treatment, crediting the football community in supporting her through her diagnosis and cancer journey.
“I’d just say thank you to everybody because without them and the people [who] go to the match with me… I wouldn’t be able to give back and the Haematology team are amazing, absolutely amazing,” she said.
“I lost my mum on September 2 for advanced dementia, and I still got in that [Manchester United] seat the next day. My dad’s 84 and he doesn’t understand, my brother lives abroad so if I didn’t have the support of my friends that come here I don’t think I’d have ever got through it and it’s tough.
“No one wants to hear that they’ve got cancer. Nobody. So it’s a real shock.”
Claire has committed to blending her love for football with her desire to get active, all while reciprocating the efforts she has received from NHS staff during her journey through treatment.
She has set up a crowdfunding effort as part of her venture, where she has so far raised almost half of her £1000 goal.
“I set out on this mission because I want to just give back to the NHS, and it’s little things like a new family room and new chairs,” she added.
“I sit in the same chair for seven hours at a time, so it’s just getting new chairs and upgrading stuff for them because it’s not something the hospital or the trust can always do. They’ve been nothing but fantastic for me.”
The diagnosis has led to changes in Claire’s life as the cancer and treatment have affected her immunity, meaning she now needs to take precautions to avoid illness. Since returning to Old Trafford last May, Claire has had to wear a mask in order to reduce her chances of picking up dangerous infections.
“I was just numb and devastated when told I couldn’t go to the football because of infection risks. I was signed off work so my days were spent at home during treatment… all I wanted the whole time was to get back to Old Trafford.”
On top of this, some of her treatments have been delayed by weeks due to a number of infections she has picked up over the past few months.
Despite this, Claire said she is remaining positive, in thanks to the footballing community and the relationships she has formed with hospital staff and patients.
“”Friends at football are so, so important, as I say I lost my mum even though she didn’t know who I was at the time,” she added. “You need your friends to pick you up and get you through when you’re having a bad day or you’re getting fed up because you’re restricted at home. It’s about having to pick you up and make your laugh when you need it most.”
Claire’s funding effort can be accessed here, and is still accepting donations until November 30.
