Cancer blogger nominated for inspirational award

Claire Whittaker, aged 39, had an oophorectomy and mastectomy to remove both of her ovaries and breasts after she was diagnosed with BRACA2 gene mutation in 2010, which meant she had an 85 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and was at high risk of developing ovarian and other cancers in the future.
She already had two children, Jemma, now aged six, and Ben, aged four, but has used her experience to advise, support and inspire others in a similar situation by creating her blog - Claire and the genie - which has clocked up 25,000 followers in three years.
Mrs Whittaker has now been nominated in the Community Champion of the Year category in the Sue Ryder Women of Achievement Awards - a ceremony for women from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire who have done something to inspire others.
Mrs Whittaker said: “I have tried to record my journey to make something positive come out of my experience.
“There is a huge support network for people who are diagnosed with cancer but very little support for those of us who are told that we are so dangerously at risk of cancer.
“I want to help these people find positive stories of hope and help them navigate through the fear and through the good and bad times.
“When I heard that I had been nominated I found it very humbling.
“It is lovely to think that my experience may be able to help other people and I feel very flattered.”
Nominations are still open for the awards, which include corporate, community, sport, creative and young achiever categories.
The final is being held on October 17 at the Madjeski Stadium, Reading and tickets cost £60.
For more information, to nominate someone you know or to buy tickets visit www.sueryder.org/woaareading