After a diagnosis of adrenal cancer — a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys — Claire Pearl Howell was referred to The Christie hospital. She was treated at The Christie for 17 months but sadly died in December 2023 aged just 33.
Claire was a highly-skilled PhD-educated Geotechnical Engineer. She was extremely grateful for the wonderful treatment and support she received at The Christie, as well as the support they gave her parents Norman and Pearl and her sister Jayne.
To say thanks to The Christie for her treatment, Claire decided to include a significant gift to The Christie Charity in her Will to benefit fellow patients in a similar situation to herself. She also encouraged funeral donations to The Christie Charity.
As well as her selfless and kind gesture of including a gift in her Will to The Christie Charity, Claire also supported fundraising efforts during her illness. In 2023, she cheered on her sister Jayne, and Jayne’s friend Charlotte, during their Manchester 10K run for The Christie Charity. Claire’s work colleagues at BAM Ritchies were so inspired by her, they donated their winnings from a company swimming challenge in her honour.
Claire’s dad Norman, a longstanding member of the UK Society for Trenchless Technology, encouraged the Society Council to choose The Christie Charity as its Gala Dinner Partner for 2023 and 2024.
In Claire’s memory, Norman, Pearl and Jayne took part in the 2025 Night of Neon 5K walking event and the 10K Walk of Hope in Tatton Park, supported by family and friends raising a substantial sum for The Christie Charity. They also attended a recent ceremony to unveil The Christie Charity’s newly refurbished Tree of Hope, a meaningful way to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us, while also supporting life-changing cancer care and research.
