Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn has made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to invest more money and resources into brain cancer research. Goodburn, who was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumours over two years ago, spoke on BBC Breakfast, asking Downing Street to help ease the "unbearable" suffering of patients and their families.
Goodburn implored the Prime Minister to establish a national brain cancer lead, stating, "Please invest and make the difference. I'm on my knees begging for not just my own life but for those of my best friends and those that are affected and the families around the country." He also highlighted the availability of clinical trials abroad that are not seen in the UK.
While acknowledging the Rare Cancers Bill, which became law earlier this year and aims to incentivise research into rare cancers, Goodburn believes it does not go far enough. He noted that brain cancer, despite being rare in diagnosis incidents, is extremely deadly. Goodburn expressed frustration that the bill establishes two part-time roles, a clinical lead and a research lead, covering 14 different types of rare cancers for a total of 36 days a year, which he believes is insufficient to make the necessary changes.