Barts Cancer Institute Hosts Lab Tour for Trekstock Young Persons Cancer Charity

Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) a Cancer Research UK Centre, was delighted to welcome the team from Trekstock, a charity dedicated to supporting young people with cancer, to a tour of its labs so they can witness first hand how their fundraising is having an impact on cancer research.

The tour was led by Professor Bart Vanhaesebroeck, one of BCI's leading academics and Centre Lead for the Centre for Cell Signalling.

Professor Vanhaesebroeck gave the team a general overview about cancer and how his Centre is researching specific aspects of the disease.

Dr Michael Allen spoke about the study of protein markers present on cells and how by the presence or absence of these particular proteins you can tell if an individual has an increased risk of breast cancer.

George Elia, based in BCI’s new breast cancer tissue bank, outlined the process of histology, from the removal of a breast tumour through to its processing.

Dr Louise Reynolds showed cancer cells under a microscope, that were growing in tissue culture – a technique used for studying tumour growth.

Sabari Vallath one of BCI’s PhD students, highlighted the risks of pancreatic cancer and discussed how research can improve if more charities funded this area of cancer.

The afternoon ended with the Trekstock Team presenting BCI researchers with a stunning  bespoke cake, designed by a celebrity chef to celebrate 30 years of Kensington Roof Gardens and 10 years of its Babylon Restaurant, of which Trekstock is their chosen supported charity. Part of these birthday celebrations saw a star studded celebrity charity auction that raised over £121,000, all of which was donated to Trekstock.

Trekstock was founded in 2006 and supports young people with cancer by raising money and awareness through gigs, music & fashion collaborations and organised trekking experiences to fund lifesaving research into the specific cancers that affect this age group.

Trekstock is working with Cancer Research UK who helped organsie this lab tour, to achieve its goal of helping prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately beat cancer.