Claire’s Campaign: An Award-Winning Movement for Change
Written by Nerys Evans – Director
We are incredibly proud that Claire’s Campaign was awarded the PRCA ‘UK Campaign of the Year – Beyond London’ at the recent PRCA Public Affairs Awards 2025, marking a significant achievement in advocating for better healthcare policies in Wales.
Turning a Personal Story into National Change
Claire O’Shea’s journey is one of resilience and determination. After facing repeated misdiagnoses before being diagnosed with stage four leiomyosarcoma, Claire made the courageous decision to speak out — not just for herself, but for countless women in Wales who have been unheard in their healthcare journeys. Her story became the catalyst for change, with a clear mission: to challenge the systemic dismissal of women’s health concerns and push for the inclusion of gynaecological cancers in the Women’s Health Plan in Wales.
With Claire at its heart, the campaign built momentum by amplifying personal testimonies, mobilising public support, and securing cross-party backing in the Senedd.
Our campaigning had a direct influence on government discussions, resulting in an apology from the Health Secretary and a commitment to shaping the forthcoming Women’s Health Plan with gynaecological cancers in mind.
Achieving Meaningful Impact
With the support of Cavendish Cymru (formerly Deryn) and Tenovus Cancer Care, Claire’s Campaign officially launched on May 15, 2024, with a powerful digital presence and widespread media coverage, including features on BBC Wales, ITV, S4C, and Wales Online. The campaign’s impact was immediate:
- Over 30,000 social media impressions on launch day alone
- Amplified the voices of women affected by gynaecological cancers
- Several mentions in the Senedd, including around the upcoming Women’s Health Plan for Wales
- Recognition from the Minister for Health and Social Care and Minister for Health and Wellbeing for highlighting challenges in the system and creating a lasting legacy for women in Wales
- Inclusion in the Senedd’s ‘Voices of Devolution’ exhibition, marking Claire’s advocacy as a defining moment in Welsh politics
A Testament to Purpose-Driven Advocacy
This PRCA award is a recognition of not just the campaign’s reach, but its impact. Claire’s story has become a movement—one that ensures the voices of women in Wales are no longer overlooked in healthcare policy.
In Claire’s words: ‘This win is for every woman who has shared and trusted us with their personal and often traumatic experiences, driven by the change they are making for other women affected by gynaecological cancers in the future. Our collective voices are louder and stronger together, and we will continue to campaign for real change.”
At Cavendish Cymru, we are proud to have supported Claire’s Campaign. Our work in public affairs is about delivering real change, and this award-winning campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when advocacy is powered by lived experience and strategic action.
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