Two years ago today, Claire’s Campaign was launched.
At the time, I don’t think any of us could have imagined quite how much would happen in such a short space of time, or how many women would come forward and say:
“that happened to me too.”
The campaign began because Claire O’Shea was failed by the system.
After developing symptoms, including a lump in her abdomen, Claire was initially told she had IBS. As time went on, she knew something wasn’t right. She kept pushing to be listened to, eventually asking to see a woman GP, before later being diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS), a rare and aggressive gynaecological cancer.
Even after surgery, Claire went back to work believing everything was okay, only to later receive the devastating news that she had cancer.
A lot of people in Claire’s position would have understandably stepped away from everything and focused only on themselves and their family.
Claire didn’t.
Instead, she spoke out.
In January 2023, Claire submitted evidence to the Senedd’s inquiry into gynaecological cancers. A few months later, she gave oral evidence alongside the Wales Cancer Alliance, speaking openly about what she had experienced and the impact it had on her life.
What followed was a turning point.
Women started contacting Claire in huge numbers. Women who had spent years feeling dismissed. Women whose symptoms had been minimised. Women who had struggled for diagnoses. Women who carried anger, grief, trauma, and fear from experiences they often felt nobody wanted to hear about.
Claire listened to them.
And more importantly, she believed them.
That’s really what Claire’s Campaign became. Not just a campaign, but a space where women felt heard, sometimes for the first time.
On 15 May 2024, with support from Tenovus Cancer Care and Cavendish Cymru, Claire officially launched the campaign on the same day the Senedd debated the landmark Unheard report into women’s experiences of gynaecological cancer in Wales.
Claire sat in the Senedd gallery listening as Members from across the political spectrum mentioned her by name and spoke about the women behind the report. During the debate, then Health Secretary Eluned Morgan apologised directly to Claire on behalf of the NHS for where her care had gone wrong.
But Claire was always very clear that apologies alone were not enough.
She wanted change.
Over the two years, Claire’s Campaign has helped shine a light on the experiences of women across Wales and the realities many face trying to access timely diagnosis, treatment, and support.
The campaign has:
– helped bring women’s experiences into national and political discussion
– contributed to continued Senedd scrutiny around gynaecological cancer care inspired Plaid Cymru to unanimously pass a motion at their party conference in 2025
– amplified women’s voices through coverage across BBC, ITV, Channel 4, S4C and beyond
– pushed for accountability around the recommendations of the Senedd’s Unheard report, and contributed towards the decision for a follow-up inquiry
– and encouraged more women to come forward and share their stories.
Over the course of the last two years, many milestones have happened.
Claire met King Charles III in recognition of her contribution to public life in Wales. Claire’s Campaign won the PRCA UK Campaign of the Year – Beyond London award. The campaign has also been nominated for a Moondance Award for patient and public participation and involvement.
There have also been frustrations and difficult conversations too.
Too many women in Wales are still facing delays to diagnosis and treatment. Gynaecological cancers are still too often missing from wider conversations around women’s health. There is still a long way to go in making sure women feel listened to when they know something is wrong with their bodies.
And still, Claire kept going.
Even while undergoing intense treatment herself, she continued speaking publicly, giving interviews, supporting other women, challenging decision-makers, and pushing for change. Even in the final weeks of her life, she was still talking about the campaign, still thinking about what more could be done.
Claire sadly passed away on 12 May 2025, surrounded by the people she loved.
Anyone who knew Claire will remember her warmth, her humour, her honesty, and how fiercely she cared about others. She had an ability to make people feel comfortable straight away, even while carrying so much herself.
The campaign exists because of her courage, but it continues because of the women who trusted her enough to share their experiences.
And that trust matters.
Every story shared has helped show that these experiences are not isolated incidents. They are part of something bigger that still needs attention, accountability, and action.
Claire always said this campaign was never just about her.
It was about making sure women were no longer left feeling dismissed, unheard, or alone.
That work will continue.
To every woman who has shared their story with us over the last two years, thank you/diolch.
And to Claire, we thank you always. Your voice, your courage, and your impact continue to be felt every single day.
