Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham today, Wednesday 14 October 2026. The meeting follows Goodburn's emotional appeal for increased government action on brain tumours.
Goodburn, 25, who was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma at age 22, has described the upcoming discussion as a "unique opportunity for change." He has advocated for the appointment of a national brain cancer lead and raised concerns about the absence of international trials in the UK.
His diagnosis followed a seizure in December 2023. After repeated doctor visits, he paid for a private MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. Goodburn was placed on a "watch and wait" pathway due to potential side-effects of current treatments.
He later accessed the drug vorasidenib through a managed access programme, describing it as "transformational." However, he noted that if vorasidenib fails, there is currently no alternative treatment in the UK, unlike in the US where other drugs are available.
Experts, including those from the charity Brain Tumour Research, have stated that the meeting represents a "pivotal opportunity to change prospects for brain tumour patients." They have also called for a "step change" in government funding for research, innovation, and access to treatments. Around 12,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour annually.