‘Lucas Backhouse was a keen Wyre Explorer Scout (Tankensuru ESU), based in Garstang, Lancashire. He was part of the Scouting organisation family from the age of 6 years, and loved being part of Beavers, Scouts and then Explorers. He loved all thing ‘scouting’, especially archery and scout camp.
Lucas sadly took his own life in Oct 2021 at the age of just 18 years.
To honour Lucas’ memory, and to help start conversations about mental health with young people, the Lucas Challenge was created in 2022.’
Lucas Story …
…we sadly said goodbye to Lucas on Sat 16 Oct 2021. He found this World simply too difficult to navigate and took his own life. He was just 18 years old.
We are heartbroken as we now navigate this life without him. His death will not be in vain as we continue to strive to raise awareness of mental health everywhere, but particularly in young people.
He left behind 3 brothers; Isaac, Freddie and Joel. He is also sorely missed by his cousins, Aunties, Uncles, Nanna and many friends.
A beautiful, gentle and compassionate young man, Lucas accumulated a wonderful circle of friends from his schools, college, scouting, rugby and everywhere else he touched. Your friendship lit up his world, for which we are forever grateful. Thank you for helping celebrate his life with us. You know who you are.
Do remember that the Backhouse door is always open for you to come and speak to us. Now, or in years to come. We are listening.
Lucas’ funeral was held in Garstang on Thu 4 Nov 2021. The church was full. Thank you to family and friends, young and old, who made short and long journeys to be with us. His short life was indeed a life worth living. He is sadly missed already.
In recognition of how Lucas chose to end his story, please continue to wear something yellow for mental health awareness and keep talking. Please donate to the Papyrus charity if you can – this will support others in need now and help prevent young suicide. No one needs to be alone. Help is just a conversation away.
More importantly, please let Lucas’ story be a starting point for a conversation with others. If we can keep the conversations going, that has to be a good thing.
The Lucas Backhouse Walk & Talk 4 Us runs monthly at Avenham & Miller Park, Preston (meet at the Continental) at 10am. Join us to break the silence on mental health issues and keep conversations going. (Join the WalkandTalk4Us newsletter mailing on Facebook or see ‘Angela Violet’ for updates).
The route is dog and pushchair friendly too.
Lucas’ plaque has now been installed in the Pegoda / Shelter / Bandstand in Avenham Park. It was his favourite place to meet up with friends and we know many of you still gather here. We hope you will enjoy his memorial – a place for you to simply ‘be’ when you need to ‘be’ with Lucas. Know that this is a safe place to come and recall happy friendship memories. Lucas will never be forgotten.
Lucas Backhouse 2003 – 2021 Just Giving Page
Very best wishes,
Nite nite Lukey Loo xxx
Tony and Angela Backhouse
Isaac, Freddie & Joel xx
