There was widespread sadness today as the news broke that the inspirational Clare Clarke had lost her battle with cancer at the age of 35.
Clare, who worked with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.
She had been given the all clear, but was later diagnosed with secondary cancer.
Clare initiated the programme ‘Climb4Clare’ shortly after her diagnosis when she learned that there was no form of support to help her children deal with the news.
“I am just a normal person,” she told Her.ie. “I don’t have the words or the vocabulary for what is happening myself, how do I explain this to my children in a vocabulary that they will understand and allow them to answer any questions they are asked.”
Speaking at the LGFA All-Star awards ceremony in November, Clare joined host Marty Morrissey on stage to explain the programme.
“A year and a half ago it came back in my spine and since then, it’s gone to my liver and lungs in the last eight weeks,” she explained on the night.
“There’s good days and bad days. Some days you can’t get out of bed, you’re not well, you’re tired and then other days you’re sitting on the stage with Marty Morrissey having a great time.”
Clare began to research how to find support for children and through the Irish Cancer Society, was introduced to the concept of CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery).
She linked up with the LGFA, who she worked with for 11 years, and together they raised funds so that CLIMB could be rolled out through all cancer care centres in Ireland with the support of the Irish Cancer Society.
Today we lost a colleague, a friend and a true inspiration. RIP Clare Clarke and we will have a place for you always! pic.twitter.com/iCBySVDap1
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) February 1, 2015
A statement on the LGFA website today announced the sad news of her passing.
“It is with the deepest regret that we are informing you that our colleague and friend, Clare Clarke, has passed away peacefully at her home last night at the age of 35 after a brave battle with cancer.”
Condolences have been pouring in for Clare today from all whose lives she has touched over the last number of years.
She has been described by many as “brave and inspiring” and was always quick to help those in need of it.
She will always be remembered for her hard work, dedication and commitment to CLIMB and her inspirational battle to get the project rolled out across the country.
For more information on CLIMB you can check out the website here.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Video via YouTube/by Jerome Quinn for LadiesFootballTV.
