Laura’s illness was one of only dozens of such cases ever reported in the whole world. Before the founding of The Laura Crane Trust in October 1996 there was no funding aimed specifically at research into cancers which affect this age group. Research undertaken from the funds we raise will ultimately bring increased understanding of cancer in this age group, better prevention, improved treatments and more saving of young lives.

Any research proposals submitted are passed to respected Medical Advisers with appropriate expertise, who will assess the necessity for each project, the standard of expertise of the research body undertaking the work, costings and time scale, thus ensuring that we only fund the highest quality research.

 Laura’s trust also supports measures to improve the quality of life for teenage cancer patients during their frequent and debilitating stays in hospitals. They are an age group unto themselves and require occupational and social activities to help keep up their motivation, which is so desperately needed to fight their illness and cope with the harsh regimes of treatment and the isolation from school, friends and family that it brings.

**** NEW RESEARCH PROJECT ****

"I still worry about cancer, and the six months after treatment finished were the worst...
Will it come back? Will it be worse?
I still have sleepless nights and I do find it difficult to talk about."

The Survive and Thrive project is expected to take an international lead in examining the effects cancer treatment can have on survivors. The need for this work has come about largely due to the success in treating cancer. But while survival rates for patients with many cancers are improving, the aggressive action of some treatments means some patients can go on to experience physical and psychological effects, known as 'late effects'. Some work has been done on these effetcs on children, but there has previously been little work on older children and adults.

The Laura Crane Trust has pledged £144,000 towards this exciting and innovative project, your support is invaluable.