Claire graduated in Combined Studies specialising in Philosophy & the History of Science, Medicine & Technology from the University of Manchester. She has a special interest in the history of Hysteria and the female experience in medicine, and how this relates to the treatment of chronic conditions and 'medically unexplained symptoms'.

Her understanding stems from the personal and academic. After receiving some of the highest academic grades in the country and competing at a national level in martial arts Claire contracted a viral infection, then suffered from ME/CFS for 8 years. After 4 decades of dealing with the medical system through periods of remission and relapse with Long EBV, Long Flu and Long Covid, she is clear that there is still a substantial knowledge gap in medicine around post-acute viral illness.

Claire is building connections between the worlds of ME/CFS and Long Covid to help ensure that the mistakes made through the application of the Biopsychosocial (BPS) model, or Cognitive Behavioural Model (CBM) are not repeated. Her previous academic experience with the Philosophy of Psychiatry, Psychology and Philosophy of Mind helps bring clarity to these issues.

Claire regularly writes and advocates on these subjects with Long Covid Advocacy. She is also a member of the patient advisory group in the World Health Network and advisor to Long Covid Support.