Claire Webb, a 32-year-old mother from Worcester, has been declared cancer-free after being given just three years to live following a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer. The discovery came after she knocked her chest at a soft play centre in April 2023, causing swelling that led to a biopsy confirming very aggressive cancer. Despite the grim prognosis, after only three chemotherapy sessions, scans showed no evidence of disease, and she has since undergone a mastectomy and continues immunotherapy.
Soft Play Incident Led to Diagnosis
Claire, a team manager at National Grid, had no symptoms until she knocked her right breast at a soft play centre while with her two-year-old son, Teddy. Within hours, swelling and a hard lump appeared. She initially attributed it to breastfeeding but called her doctor after the swelling persisted. Five days later, she received an emergency referral due to a family history of breast cancer; her grandmother died from the disease in the 1980s. Seventeen days after the incident, an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed cancer.
Devastating Prognosis
A full-body MRI and PET scan revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs, making it stage four and incurable. Doctors told Claire she was unlikely to see Teddy start school. She began a cancer journal, updated her will, and discussed funeral arrangements. She said: “It absolutely floored me. I entered a grieving process for the life that I thought I would have.” She even withdrew from her son to prepare him for her absence.
Remarkable Response to Treatment
Claire started chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy in June 2023. Before treatment, she froze embryos to preserve the possibility of having more children. After just three chemotherapy sessions, scans showed no evidence of disease. Her oncologist told her she had a guardian angel. Claire said: “Being declared NED is the best result anyone with stage four cancer can hope for.” She underwent a mastectomy in November 2023, which was previously deemed impossible.
Life After Cancer
Claire continues immunotherapy every three weeks and is considered an exceptional responder. She now does school drop-offs and pickups for Teddy, who started reception class in September 2025. She said: “Getting his uniform on and walking him into school knowing that there was a time when I didn't think I would ever do that.” She has thrown away two of the milestone letters she wrote for him. Her treatment has shifted from palliative to curative intent, and she hopes to expand her family.
