Clayborne in Japan

Clayborne is back from Japan after a bumpy ride. After mislaying his Cancer Research badge, I contacted the places he had visited during our trip, trying to locate it — to no avail. Distressed, I contacted the charity for help, to see if I could get another one for our next holiday abroad. Luckily, I found the badge just before we flew to Singapore, and disaster was averted. Clayborne and his link to the charity are significant to our travels. Any loss is felt immeasurably — keeping him safe is important.

The Cancer Research Bear has been travelling with me across the World since 2018, keeping the work of Cancer Research UK in the hearts of all of us, who have championed this spectacular organisation. Clayborne was born during my time as a volunteer at Cancer Research in Portsmouth. After volunteering for them for four years, I wanted to take the memories of that time with me as I moved to Australia. Clayborne was a mascot, but he was also a big part of my life, living in the UK. Having volunteered for many charities, Cancer Research is by far the best. The volunteers I worked with were a remarkable bunch of characters who gave their time for the good of others, and an example to me, and anyone thinking of volunteering.

Japan was a life-changing experience for me, but it was also another trip of a lifetime for the little bear carrying a big message. Clayborne represented the battles my Great Aunt fought before she died of cancer in 2019. He is also a symbol of the fight my Mother-in-Law continues every day, as she also lives with cancer, since 2016.

Cancer has touched all our lives in some way, and bringing this terrible disease to the attention of all of you, while writing this blog, is an important part of why I continue to write. During my time in Japan, I was asked by locals and tourists alike about Clayborne. They were happy to listen to his and my story as we journeyed through Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe. A small, rather worn bear, with a message of hope, offers optimism for the future. Cancer can be beaten, and through charities like Cancer Research UK, we can make Cancer history!

Please click on his paw print at the bottom of this page to donate today.