A RETIRED Police officer who was stationed at Crook is to ride the C2C to raise money for two charities close to her heart.
Andrea Clayton, a retired Police Inspector who served in the Crook and Weardale area is now a staff member at The College of Policing. She joined Durham Constabulary in 1991 and worked around the south of the area. Her roles included foot beat at Ferryhill Station, Response in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, Custody Sergeant at Bishop Auckland and Geographical Inspector in Crook.
In 2010 she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. On a rare day where she was not at work and by pure chance, was watching the ‘Lorraine Show’.
Andrea takes up the story herself: “I was saddened to see the well-known actress from Corrie, Sally Dynevor, (Sally Webster) being interviewed about her recent diagnosis of breast cancer.
Despite having been through chemotherapy and wearing a head scarf due to her hair loss, I was struck by how positive she was.
She said that all ladies over 40 should check themselves for lumps, bumps, puckering etc. This struck a chord as I had just celebrated my 40th the previous month. I did as she said.
You can imagine the shock when I found what would turn out to be a significant cancerous tumour. Radical treatment followed and I am now 15 years into my wellbeing journey, helped massively by the support received whilst having my post operative convalescence, chemo and radiotherapy by The Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate.
She was also helped by the charity ‘Prevent Breast Cancer’ and added how both the charities were ‘lifesavers’ and she is indebted to both. She was involved in fundraising for both causes before her diagnosis and has organised fundraising annually with a different event each time. ‘Every 5-year milestone I try to do something really significant, and this challenge is no exception. Next month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so I felt that this would promote that and get everyone checking!’
To mark the 15th anniversary, this year will be cycling along the C2C with some of her colleagues and friends and is seeking donations through ‘Give Wheel’ via the internet.
Andrea said, “I would really appreciate any donation that will help these two excellent causes to continue their important work to support more people who find themselves in a similar situation to mine. I would also urge everyone – men as well as women – to check themselves regularly.
Sponsorship would be welcomed in the form of cash for fuel – or fuel itself – for the support vehicle or directly via the website https://gvwhl.com/9MA9F , contact the Editor at or QR code:
This is the QR code to donate directly.
