‘We need decisive and bold action’
THOUSANDS SUPPORT THE BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY’S CALL FOR NATIONAL STRATEGY
MORE than 10,000 people have so far signed an open letter from The Brain Tumour Charity calling for a national brain tumour strategy.
The campaign was launched outside Parliament on Thursday to mark the beginning of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and involved a photo call in front of Big Ben featuring 34 people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis – symbolising the number of people diagnosed daily in the UK. Nine people living with the disease were at the launch, including TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman, who was diagnosed with a meningioma four years ago.
Nicki said: “More people under the age of 40 (including children) die of a brain tumour than any other cancer – a shocking fact. Please sign the open letter and be part of the solution. Every day matters. Every signature will bring us closer to the change we all need.”
Simon Cromack, from Berkshire, whose loved ones have set up the crowdfunding page Give Simon Time, was there with his family, including daughter Ella, a Harlequins rugby player. Nicola and Gracie Nuttall were also at the launch to honour Laura Nuttall, who died from a glioblastoma in May last year, and whose photos they held.
Also remembering loved ones lost to the disease were comedian Hal Cruttenden, who lost his mum, Julia; former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, a fundraising ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity; Matty Wilson, who now works for Our Brain Bank and who lost his wife, Zoe; and representatives from children’s charities including Tom’s Trust, Joss Searchlight, Shay’s Smile,
William Low Trust and OSCARs.
Cameron Miller, director of policy and strategy at Fleet-based The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has signed this open letter.
“For too long we haven’t even seen the necessary improvements for brain tumour patients, and that is why we are calling for systemic change. We need to see decisive and bold action so that will ensure brain tumour patients live significantly longer and better lives.”
The open letter builds on calls for more investment into research and outlines three other cornerstones to be considered: diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, including:
The development of a new optimal diagnostic pathway ensuring everyone receives a fast and efficient diagnosis of a brain tumour;
Good access to wraparound support, meeting the collective needs of every brain tumour patient and their family;
The chance for every brain tumour patient to take part in clinical trials;
Recognition that research into brain tumours is a clinical priority alongside a strategic plan for adequately resourcing and funding for discovery, translational and clinical research.
People can sign the open letter at https://action.thebraintumourcharity.org/open-letter-health-minister
To find out more, visit: https:// www.thebraintumourcharity.org/