The UAE rugby community is among those rallying behind Dave Gairn and his family as his wife Claire continues treatment for stage 4 cancer.
Dave, an active member of the local rugby scene, plays for the Dubai Exiles and has also been part of the UAE national squad. Away from the pitch, he and Claire are parents to three children and part of a growing support network in Dubai.
Family and friends have raised more than £138,000 towards Claire’s specialist cancer treatment.
Claire, originally from London, teaches in Dubai and is known by pupils, parents and colleagues for her work in education.
Her cancer diagnosis came 18 months ago. Since then, she has had 13 hours of surgery, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
The family has taken advice from doctors in Dubai, the UK and Germany. After those consultations, the next stage of Claire’s treatment will now take place in Germany.
Dave said the family had changed direction from Mexico after further medical advice.
Across two fundraising pages, £138,228 has now been raised towards the overall target of £180,000. The money will help cover specialist treatment, travel, accommodation and ongoing care.
“We’re incredibly grateful to share that, across both fundraising pages, an amazing amount has now been raised towards Claire’s specialist treatment in Germany,” Dave said.
“The kindness, generosity, messages, prayers, and support from everyone has been truly overwhelming and means more to our family than words can say.”
“We still have a long way to go towards the overall £180,000 target needed for treatment, travel, accommodation, and ongoing care, but thanks to all of you, we are getting closer every single day.”
A gym session in Dubai was the first event attended by more than 100 people.
The fundraising campaign is being supported through a series of events under the name Claire’s Community.
The first event was a gym session in Dubai, attended by more than 100 people. It brought friends, colleagues and families together in support of Claire and her family.
More than 150 people later gathered at Kite Beach for a community run and walk.
More than 150 people later gathered at Kite Beach for a community run and walk. Many wore bright colours, with the morning focused on support rather than times or results.
The campaign has also spread through social media, WhatsApp groups and personal networks, with supporters sharing Claire’s story and encouraging others to help.
Further events are planned throughout June, including a community fete and a pub quiz.
“Please continue sharing the pages and keeping Claire in your thoughts and prayers.”
Funds will help cover specialist treatment in Germany, transport and accommodation costs, ongoing care and support for the family.
“Thank you for standing with Claire and our family,” Dave said. “Please continue sharing the pages and keeping Claire in your thoughts and prayers.”
Anyone who wants to support Claire can donate directly through the family’s GoFundMe page, share the fundraiser with friends, clubs and WhatsApp groups, or attend one of the upcoming Claire’s Community events in Dubai. Every contribution helps the family move closer to the £180,000 needed for specialist treatment, travel, accommodation and ongoing care. Donations can be made through Claire’s cancer treatment fundraiser.
