About Chris Lucas Trust

What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?

Rhabdomyosarcoma (Rhab – do – my – o - sarcoma) is one of the most aggressive of the 400 various types of cancers.

It is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells begin growing in muscle tissue anywhere in the body.

There are several types of Sarcoma that are found in children and young adults. The cancer cells must be looked at under a microscope to tell which type of sarcoma it is. It accounts for approximately 3.5 per cent of the cases of cancer among young children aged 0-14, and 2 per cent of the cases among adolescents and young adults aged 15-19 years of age.

It is a curable disease in the majority of children who receive optimal therapy, with more than surviving five years after diagnosis.

The most common primary sites for Rhabdomyosarcoma are the head and neck. Other less common sites include the trunk, intrathoracic region, the gastrointestinal tract and the extremities (arms, legs) intestines, including liver and biliary tract, and the perineal/anal region.

The Chris Lucas Trust aims to fundraise by holding various types of events including an annual event – The Great North Bike Ride 2003, Sunday 24th August 2003.

Auctions, Annual gala evening, collection boxes, local club evening normally including cabaret, buffet, disco.

Our history

The Chris Lucas Trust was founded August 2000 by Christopher’s parents following his three year battle against a very rare aggressive cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle tumour).

Christopher’s parents discovered after the death of their son only limited medical research concerning rhabdomyosarcoma was being conducted world-wide.

Through the help of friends and family, the trust was set up to fundraise to fund a medical researcher usually for three years into this horrific form of childhood cancer.

By conducting research it could help to improve the quality of life of children and young adults.  Christopher’s parents believe if medical research can improve the treatment of this type of cancer or ultimately prolong life, their son did not die in vain.

The Trust set out:

• To advance scientific research and disseminate knowledge of research findings to help other types of cancers with the aim of meeting national needs in terms of health, quality of life of children and young adults.
  
• To promote public engagement with medical research. 
  
• To work in collaboration with all medical staff to ensure that the Chris Lucas Trust’s aims and objectives are adhered to and achieved.