Matt Lucas pays tribute to childhood friend who died from leukaemia as new fundraising drive is launched

The trust has opened Karen’s Homes — fully-equipped flats in close proximity to hospitals where patients and family members can stay during treatment. The first opened in Hammersmith in 2007 and others followed in Oxford, Cambridge and Birmingham.

For the 20th anniversary campaign, the trust is asking supporters to donate at least £20. Two charitable trusts have committed to matching every pound raised.

Matt Lucas is a patron of the trust and a strong advocate of Karen’s Homes, saying they “hugely benefit the mental and emotional well-being of patients and their families during the most traumatic and uncertain times.

“So many small charities start with the best intentions but find it difficult to keep going beyond the first few years. It is testimony to Sylvia and Debby’s extraordinary efforts and dedication that the KMMT has not only reached its 20th year but revolutionised the way leukaemia patients and their families are treated.”

The comedian, actor and writer raised money for the charity by appearing in a celebrity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, partnering Vic Reeves.

“Vic is a much more intelligent man than I am so I am not sure I was much help at all,” he recalled. “But somehow we managed to win £125,000, half of which went to the KMMT.

“When the programme was broadcast in 2003, the trust was in its early years so it was fantastic to win the money and get the chance to talk about its work on national television.

“It struck a chord with people then and it continues to do so.”

Mrs Morris recalled her daughter as “an inspiring and selfless young lady. I know she would have been immensely proud of the trust’s achievements and the comfort Karen’s Homes bring to families around the country. We encourage people to give generously to our new appeal so we can continue opening these vitally important places.”