Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I am raising funds for the wonderful 'Chris Lucas Trust' who "help Children & Young Adults by Cancer Research & aims to find a cure for Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer by world-class research".

I am raising funds in memory of my beautiful & brave legend of a sister, Helen, who passed away on her 21st birthday, 27th May 2006, as a result of this horrible disease.

I will be taking part in a sponsored walk on the 21st of June (my 1st wedding anniversary!) in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust. I am fundraising in memory of my sister, Helen, my cousin, Tracey, & Helen's friend who she met through cancer, Zoe.

In the main this year I would like to raise funds for the Chris Lucas Trust - the only charity at present which raises funds for research specifically into Rhabdomyosarcoma. I would also like to raise some money for cancer research as they do a wonderful job but in times like this funding risks being restricted for research into the rare cancers, including Rhabdomyosarcoma. Helen wanted to raise funds for Rhabdomyosarcoma when she was still with us but we didn't manage to find a charity, I am very pleased to have been told about the Chris Lucas Trust so that I can now do this on her behalf.

Helen was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2003. This is a rare form of cancer which originates in the muscles that we control. Helen was due to be competing in the IDTA National Championships for Freestyle dance in the month following her diagnosis, something she had worked extremely hard to achieve having started dancing only 5 years before.

Following her diagnosis Helen embarked on 12 months of treatment. Initially 6 months of intensive chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, then 6 months of not so intensive chemo. The treatment appeared to go well & the tumour receeded quickly.

A few weeks after Helen's treatment had finished she was given the all clear. The happiness of this was shortlived however, when 2 weeks later the cancer returned. Helen's consultant thought he must have missed something on the scan but he had not. Such was the aggression of the cancer it had returned from 'nothing' in this short time. Initially Helen was told there was nothing that could be done & that she was expected to live for between 3 & 6 months. Then Helen's consultant said that he could try to remove the tumour but unfortunately this would mean also removing her eye. Helen immediately agreed & underwent the 10.5hr operation around 3 weeks later, the details of which belong in science fiction. Helen was transferred to the high dependency unit & was told that it would be at least a week before she could get out of bed but typical Helen within days she was up & about! The expected 3 month recovery time was also quashed by Helen who recovered extremely well at home.

Later in the year, following Helen's operation, the cancer was beginning to show in other parts of Helen's face. More radiotherpay followed & then in February 2006 it was confirmed that the cancer had returned to it's original site. Helen had known this before Christmas but realising the consequences decided to enjoy Christmas first & then go to the hospital in the new year. It was then confirmed that no more treatment was available. The hospital said they could not believe Helen was still walking let alone clubbing in London as was the case at the time! Helen was expected to pass away at any time but certainly not live longer than a month. My sister continued to prove the medical world wrong & lived for another 3.5 months. Helen lost the sight in her remaining eye at the end of April 2006 which said was the 'worst thing that could have happened', the following month was mostly spent at home.

Helen passed away peacefully, with dignity & in control on the evening of her 21st birthday, 27th May 2006, at home with my Mum, Dad & myself beside her having spent the day with family & close friends visiting.

I really do not want my sister's fight, & it was a fight, to be in vain. The only way that cancer will be beaten is if we continue to help to fund research into this awful disease which claims the lives of far too many wonderful people.

I will be taking part this year (waddling in my pregnant state!) in memory of my gorgeous Sister, my cousin Tracey, my grandad & also Helen's friend Zoe.

The Chris Lucas Trust & cancer research are charities which I believe passionately about raising funds & awareness for. Cancer can affect anyone, no matter how young, fit or healthy.

Last year I raised in the region of £3250 & I would like to be able to raise a nice chunk of money again this year to send to the Chris Lucas Trust & cancer research - your support in this is appreciated beyond measure.

Adele x

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