the story behind it
Clare was born with the genetic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and by the age of 24, her lungs were so damaged that a transplant was her only hope of survival. Sadly a matching donor was never found and despite a long fight, she passed away on April 15th 2013, aged 26.
Despite her own time running out, Clare asked her Mum, Ann Rowcliffe, to promise to donate any organs or tissues that she could after her death. Although a matching donor hadn't been found in time for her, she wanted to give someone else that chance and hope. As a result, the sight of two young adults has now been restored by receiving her corneas. Clare had the most stunning bright blue eyes that shone with life and enthusiasm. It’s a tribute to her generosity and kindness that others can now see life clearly as a result of her gift.
The Little Yellow Duck Project has been inspired by Clare's generosity, her sense of fun and her love of little yellow ducks. Each handcrafted little yellow duck gift aims to spread a little happiness to its recipient and a little awareness of how we can each follow Clare's example in saving or transforming the lives of others through blood, bone marrow, organ or tissue donation.
The Little Yellow Duck Project was created by Emma Harris in memory of her best friend, Clare Cruickshank, a kind and fun-loving person who lived life to the full. Clare loved being creative and could spend hours happily covered in glue and glitter or finding a way to make something with her sewing machine! She was also crazy about little yellow rubber ducks and had a huge collection of them in all shapes and sizes.