Christie Impact Report 2025

A legacy of kindness After 17 months of living with adrenal cancer — a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys — Claire Pearl Howell, a highly skilled PhD educated Geotechnical Engineer, died in December 2023 at the young age of 33.

Claire was extremely grateful for the wonderful treatment and support she received at The Christie. Claire was also appreciative of the support given to her parents Norman and Pearl and her sister Jayne. So, as an incredibly selfless and kind gesture, Claire made the decision to include a significant gift to The Christie Charity in her Will — alongside encouraging funeral donations — to benefit fellow patients in a similar situation to herself. Claire also supported fundraising efforts during her illness. In 2023, she cheered on her sister Jayne, and Jayne’s friend Charlotte, during their Manchester 10K run for The Christie Charity. Claire’s work colleagues at BAM Ritchies were so inspired by her courage, they donated their winnings from a company swimming challenge in her honour.

Norman, a longstanding member of the UK Society for Trenchless Technology saw the Society Council choose The Christie Charity as its Gala Dinner Partner for 2023 and 2024. In Claire’s memory, Norman, Pearl and Jayne took part in the 2025 Night of Neon 5K walking event and were supported by family and friends raising a substantial sum for The Christie Charity. “Claire was such a kind and loving person,” says her sister Jayne. “She would have been amazed at all the fantastic fundraising her family and friends have done in her memory to help others who face the daunting challenge of cancer.” Gifts in Wills support one third of The Christie Charity’s projects.

RIGHT Norman, Pearl and Jayne Howell

18 The Christie Charity Impact Report 2024/25