Open letter attracts widespread support within one week
More than 15,500 people have signed The Brain Tumour Charity’s Open Letter call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy. It follows a launch outside Westminster last week.
The campaign, which marks the start of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, involved a photograph in front of Big Ben featuring 34 people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis – and symbolising the number of people diagnosed daily in the UK.
The disease is the biggest cancer killer of those under 40. Eight people living with a brain tumour were at the launch, including television and radio presenter Nicki Chapman, who was diagnosed with a meningioma four years ago.
‘More people under the age of 40 (including children) die of a brain tumour than any other cancer, A shocking fact,’ says Nicki, who has a check-up scan this week.
‘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.’
Nicola and Gracie Nuttall were also at the launch to honour Laura Nuttall, the charity’s former Young Ambassador, who died from a glioblastoma in May 2023, and whose photographs they held.
Remembering loved ones lost to the disease were comedian Hal Cruttenden, whose mum, Julia, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, a fundraising ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, was joined by Matty Wilson, who was honouring his wife Zoe.
The event saw representatives from charities set up in memory of children, including: Tom’s Trust, Joss Searchlight, Shay’s Smile, William Low Trust and OSCARs.
Calling for ‘systemic change’
‘We are extremely grateful to everyone who has signed this open letter,’ says Cameron Miller, Director of Policy and Strategy at The Brain Tumour Charity.
‘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 Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity. It funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options.
It aims to raise awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.
The Open Letter builds on calls for more investment in research. It also seeks the development of a new optimal diagnostic pathway ensuring everyone receives a fast and efficient diagnosis of a brain tumour.
Supporters are seeking for good access to ‘wraparound’ support with the aim of meeting the collective needs of every brain tumour patient and their family.
They’re also asking for the chance for every brain tumour patient to participate in clinical trials.
The campaign seeks to gain the 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.’
The charity aims to provide support for everyone affected so that they can live as ‘full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.’
