Lynn Lucas and her husband, also called Lynn, founded the Chris Lucas
By Sonia SharmaParenting Reporter
22:30, 14 JUN 2024 Memorial Trust after their son died aged 18 following a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer.
Lynn Lucas, right, and her husband who is also called Lynn, have each been awarded an MBE (Image: Lynn Lucas/PA)
A North East couple say they are "overwhelmed" after being awarded MBEs for helping to raise more than £2m for cancer research in memory of their son.
Lynn Lucas, and her husband who is also called Lynn, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, have each been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to charitable fundraising in the King's Birthday Honours. The couple, aged 65 and 67, founded the Chris Lucas Memorial Trust (CLT) in memory of their son who died in 2000 after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma - a rare form of cancer that affects children and young people.
Chris was first diagnosed with the disease when he was 15. He bravely fought against the cancer for three years and in that time completed his GCSEs and was starting a career in graphic design.
But, despite extensive medical treatment, the teenager died at the age of 18. Since then, his parents have dedicated themselves to raising funds in the hope of a cure.
The trust's fundraising efforts have included events such as the Great North Bike Ride and the annual Jingle Bell Walk in Newcastle which raises up to £40,000 each year. As a result of the pair's work, CLT has become the largest organisation in Europe exclusively funding research on rhabdomyosarcoma with the charity currently sponsoring two senior researchers at the Institute for Cancer Research in Surrey which is looking to develop new drugs for children who do not respond well to current treatments.
Chris Lucas, centre, with his parents (Image: Lynn Lucas)
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