The Lisa Thaxter Trust closed as a charity on 31st March 2009.

We would like to thank all those supporters, volunteers and fund raisers that have helped the Trust to achieve so much in the 13 years since it was established in 1996.

These are some of the successes in that period:

• The charity was a founder of “Contact” magazine by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group, and has continued to fund it over 10 years. The magazine is published nationwide, and internationally, to provide information and communication for the young cancer patients, their families and clinical staff
• The Trust supported the foundation of the National Tumour Bank to establish a central store for childhood tumour samples used in childhood cancer research
• It has formed strong links with the Royal Marsden Hospital and its research partner, The Institute of Cancer Research. For example, in 2007 a completed research project, funded by the Trust, received worldwide recognition
• The Trust provides support for other UK based child cancer groups, including the national parent organisation, NACCPO.
• It provides financial assistance to child cancer projects in Africa, particularly in Malawi, and has helped to treat over 250 children in these countries.
• The Trust set up the “Siblinks” project to help support siblings of children with cancer
• The Trust provided seed funding to help set up the World Child Cancer Foundation, helping children in developing countries. Within months of set up, the Foundation has committed £250,000 for this work in Africa and Latin America.
• Trustees have provided support and expertise to other national and international organisations. The Lisa Thaxter Trust is now recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its contributions to care for children with cancer.
• To make these things possible, the charity has raised over £1million since it was established.
• The charity is well known in the south-east of England for its gift wrap service in Croydon, Epsom and Crawley and in previous years in Sutton and Birmingham
• Another key fundraiser for the charity has been the London Marathon with 100 people running this for the charity. The Hydro Active Run has also become popular in recent years.
• Its Annual Report and Accounts has won awards

A number of the trustees and volunteers are planning to continue work in childhood cancer, but with different organisations. So, although Lisa Thaxter Trust will cease as a charitable entity, the work will carry on.

On 25th June 2009 The Lisa Thaxter Trust will celebrate its successes at a closing event to be held at Brookes Lawley Building, Institute of Cancer Research at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, SM2 5NG. Supporters, volunteers and sponsors have received invites to the event starting at 7pm.