Clare was born in Oxford Street Hospital, Liverpool, in 1986. She is the third and youngest child of Tony and Jean McNally.
Clare was brought up in Kirkby, Merseyside, with her two brothers – Michael and James – and bichon frise dog, Danny. Clare attended Holy Angels Primary School followed by Maricourt High School in Maghull.
Clare trained as a beauty therapist, she absolutely loved beauty and fashion. She went on to work in the retail sector for the likes of Bobbi Brown and Guerlain. Eventually Clare became a successful Business Manager for Clarins Beauty and Skin spa at John Lewis in Liverpool One. Always immaculate and completely flawless she was our ‘lady in red’ in her little Clarins uniform! She wore it with pride.
Clare had an amazing way with people – young and old, male or female – her pleasant disposition and beaming smile touched everyone she ever came into contact with. Clare had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world when she was with you. She was, is, genuinely adored by everyone that knew her.
In 2010 Clare met Paul, the love of her life, they had a perfect wedding in July 2014 and began their married life together. In their beautiful new home, with their little dog Chip by their side, Clare and Paul were ready to look towards their future.
In September 2015, tragedy struck their perfect life when Clare was diagnosed with malignant melanoma cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and lung. This had followed four months of doctor’s visits and constant reassurance from medical professionals that the lump was only a muscle injury. Urgent surgery removed part of the tumour, however, what remained was inoperable and very aggressive.
Clare was desperately ill following surgery, whilst the doctors were waiting for results which dictated what treatment to begin. Clare’s tumour proved to be suitable for a new form of treatment, something called targeted therapy. This acts as a barrier, a ‘pause button’ so to speak, before the cancer will grow smart enough and become resistant to that particular treatment. Clare initially responded well to this treatment.
During this time we became aware of a potentially more effective form of targeted therapy not available on the NHS. Desperate to do what we could to help Clare, her family and friends began to put in place plans to raise funds for the treatment. Unfortunately, the treatment Clare was on only worked for a month or so before she became ill again. As a result the treatment we wanted to raise funds for would not have helped Clare, so we put fundraising plans on ice. However, this would be the seed of the idea that led to us setting up the Clare Daly Foundation.
During her illness Clare was under the care of Dr Lorigan and the excellent team at The Christie, in Manchester. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Clare’s cancer proved to be extremely aggressive.
Melanoma is a horrible and vicious disease if it spreads. Clare’s cancer was particularly aggressive. However, during the whole period, no matter how bad things got, Clare was always polite and dignified. She would greet doctors and nurses who came to see her with a beaming smile. When they asked how she was Clare would smile and say “I’m fine thanks”
However, despite a brave and courageous fight by Clare, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on 7 December 2015. She was just 29 years of age.
Clare’s funeral took place at St George’s Church, Maghull, on 17 December 2015. It was the same church she and Paul had been married in less than 18 months earlier. We estimate in excess of 700 mourners attended Clare’s funeral, many of whom had to stay outside as the church was full. The turnout was a testament to the love for Clare and the impact she had on others.
Inspired by the way in which she lived her life and faced her illness we decided to set up the Clare Daly Foundation to help in the fight against melanoma. We hope, in Clare’s memory, to help melanoma sufferers and their families and make a valuable contribution to the fight against melanoma.