Hi, I’m Lucas and live in Middleton, Leeds with my mum Danni and step-mum Yane. I also enjoy spending regular time with my dad, Andy.
Lucas was born prematurely in May 2008. Things didn’t seem quite right health-wise from the start, but when I raised concerns, I was assured it was due to his prematurity.
At 4 months old, Lucas was referred to a paediatrician. Nystagmus (excessive eye movement) was identified. By 18 months old, further testing brought a diagnosis of ‘Partial Agenesis of Corpus Callosum’. The two halves of Lucas’s brain were only partially joined.
Mitochondrial disease was suspected too – a completely separate condition. When Lucas was 3, mito was confirmed and a year on identified as a form called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD).
Mentally, Lucas stayed at around 2 years old, but his general health was relatively good. However, in summer ’22 when he was 14 he got a bad cold, then a wheeze which developed into breathing difficulties, then seizures for the first time.
It was touch and go and incredibly scary .. but thankfully he pulled through. But from being a ‘pocket rocket’ before, he now has far less energy and needs to use his wheelchair much more often.
Despite everything, Lucas is such a cheerful little soul with a brilliant sense of humour – he just loves making everyone laugh. He adores school and loves being involved in the Leeds United Foundation both playing and watching. He also has a real passion for clothes!
… and hopes of treatments and a cure for everyone who is impacted by mitochondrial disease.
… but our mission gives us a positive focus and enables us to make a real difference.
Thank you
Any funds raised by Lucas’s mission goes to My Mito Mission’s
central funds to be granted towards research and support projects
to benefit everyone affected by mito.
Spreading the word, following, sharing, as well as donating and raising funds are all really helpful and valued. From running a race to hosting a bake sale, homing a collecting can to giving out Lucas’s Mito Mission leaflets – there are so many ways in which you can get involved.
If you’d simply like to donate to Lucas’s mission, choose a way that suits you below.
Regular donations are the most powerful way to support our vital work, allowing us as a small, high-energy charity to plan and build from a strong foundation.
We need a 1000 strong team of amazing people to donate any amount from just £2 a month. 1000 is a lot, but – one by one – we know that we can reach it. Find out more here.
For any other amount or frequency (eg weekly, quarterly, annual), simply contact us
We’d love your support with our fundraising… and we can provide supporting materials. Just ask!
Fundraise and shop!
Other ways you can support us
Visit our Support Us page for more inspiration!
