AN UNUSUAL birthday celebration is set to take place in Crossgates next week as a former Dunfermline High pupil with incurable cancer hosts a "not dead yet" party.

Claire Winter, 44, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, with a secondary diagnosis in November 2020, but has since welcomed her first grandson and married her now-husband, Craig.

And instead of an ordinary party to mark her birthday, this year she has decided to use the occasion to raise money for Coppafeel!, a charity which has become close to her heart.

"I wanted to have something to celebrate my life – the fact that I am still alive," Claire, who was brought up in Rosyth, told the Press.

"The CEO of Coppafeel! has done a lot of publicity and her experience is a mirror image of my own diagnosis.

"Early diagnosis is something which never crossed my mind, I didn't think to check, I don't know if early detection would have saved me from my second diagnosis.

"Since my second, I have followed the charity and wanted to do it for something close to my heart."

The evening, to be held at the Royal British Legion on Main Street, will be attended by around 150 people, with a raffle to be held on the night including donations from Hollywood Bowl, Odeon, Adventure Golf Island and nearby restaurants.

Claire spends most of her time with her family, including her husband, her daughter Rachel Ferguson, her 18-month-old grandson Brodie Watson, and her son Cameron Lumsden.

She will receive bouts of chemo treatment for the rest of her life, as well as blood infusions, blood checks, and scans, and has already undergone three surgeries.

"I am living with incurable Stage 4 cancer," she said.

"It is maintainable, but not treatable, it is in my spine and my pelvis, it's not easy, every day is hard.

"My grandson is a huge part of getting me going in the morning, I have a very close family around me, it's about keeping busy."

She continued: "I worked in primary schools for 27 years and had to give it up – that was a huge transition because I loved my job, but health comes first.

"I've travelled a lot, been to New York, seen New York from a helicopter, travelled with family which I've never been able to do before.

"There's a bucket list, there's still a lot to do."

At the top of her list is her dream to visit the Caribbean or Graceland in Memphis, a place which she has always wanted to see due to her love of Elvis Presley.

"Most importantly, I want to see my grandson grow up," she added.

"People take that for granted, but they shouldn't, I see him a lot, I see him every day."

Claire's party, and first fundraising venture, will take place this Saturday.

All donations will go to Coppafeel!, which aims to spread awareness about breast cancer and how to spot symptoms among young people.

They have information, and advice on how to check yourself, on their website, coppafeel.org.