Online Friends ‘bombarded’ by requests for Claire Graham fund

By Maurice Garvey

FRIENDS of Claire Graham, the young Drimnagh mother who passed away this week, have been inundated with emails in recent days seeking access to the 99k fund raised for her treatment.

Claire (38) was fighting an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Although a Just Giving page raised a target to pay for a new drug Pembrolizumab in the UK, tragically Claire passed away on Monday before she could avail of the potentially life-saving cancer treatment.

London woman Michele Trapiche, who befriended Claire through a breast cancer patient forum, says herself and two other independent people are being “bombarded by emails and messages from people” requesting some of the money collected for Claire.

“The money has already been sent to various charities to help others,” said Michele.

“Before at the start of the Just Giving page, we had a legal agreement drawn up so that in the event Claire could not use the money for her drugs, we had a clear path as to where all the money would go. “The money has been shared out in accordance with Claire’s wishes, together with input from myself and two independent people. We are not giving any money to individuals as it’s impossible to determine who needs the money most.”

Michele helped coordinate possible treatment for Claire through UK charity Team Verrico, and help set up the Just Giving fundraising page.

With so many requests in what has already been a difficult and emotional week, Michele asked The Echo if we could clarify that the money raised for Claire’s treatment, has already gone to selected charities.

“It is really upsetting getting emails from people and not being able to help,” said a heartbroken Michele.

Claire’s two-year-old son Harley also fought cancer and lost an eye to a rare form of the illness.

News of her passing touched the hearts of many, with tributes pouring in on the Share4Claire Facebook page.

A funeral service took place today (Thursday June 1) at the Church of St Paul of the Cross, in Mount Argus.

Originally from Westmeath, Claire is survived by her husband Declan, son Harley, parents Christine and Michael, sisters Catherine and Paula, and brother Mike.