Swimmer Archie Goodburn is set to meet the Prime Minister today after previously making a public plea for increased investment in brain cancer research. The Scottish athlete, who was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago, described the Downing Street meeting as a "unique opportunity for change."
Goodburn, 25, previously appeared on BBC Breakfast, where he called for a national brain cancer lead to be established and for more resources to be allocated to research and care. He also advocated for clinical trials from other countries, such as the US, Australia, and China, to be brought to the UK.
Goodburn was diagnosed with three large oligodendrogliomas after experiencing numbness and seizures during training for the 2024 Olympic trials. He underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but surgery to remove the tumours was not possible.
According to the charity Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours are the cancer most likely to kill patients under 40 in the UK. The charity also stated that it provides over 75% of the total national investment in brain tumour research, with government funding accounting for 25%.
The Rare Cancers Bill, led by Edinburgh South West MP Scott Arthur, became law earlier this year, aiming to incentivise research and investment into rare cancer treatments. However, Goodburn believes this legislation does not go far enough and that a dedicated brain cancer lead is needed for greater focus on specific research and trials.