New campaign milestone reached this week
Within a month of its launch outside Westminster, an Open Letter calling for a ‘National Brain Tumour Strategy’ has exceeded its target of gaining the support of 40,000 people. This week saw the petition reach an incredible new milestone of 50,000!
The campaign launched on 29 February with a photo call in front of Big Ben featuring 34 people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis symbolising the number of people diagnosed each day in the UK.
You can still sign the open letter until Monday 15 April whereupon it’ll be handed in to the Health Minister, Andrew Stephenson.
Eight 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.
‘More people under the age of 40 (including children) die of a brain tumour than any other cancer, A shocking fact,’ said Nicki.
‘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.’
Going through ‘tough decisions’
The campaign features ‘vox pops’ with people talking about the tough decisions they’ve faced and how a National Brain Tumour Strategy should be a vital component for the nation’s health.
One of those interviewed is Ali Travis, from London, who has had two bouts of surgery and treatment for a grade four astrocytoma.
‘When I was being diagnosed, I saw my GP 12 times, I saw a private neurologist twice, and neither of them anticipated that this chronic migraine was in fact a brain tumour,’ he says.
‘I’ve been through quite a few tough decisions. The most recent one I can think of is whether or not to take an off-label drug – something that costs £15,000 a month.’
‘It’s just an inherently very difficult decision. Please sign the open letter for faster diagnosis.’
Nicola Nuttall from Barrowford in Lancashire was also at the launch, alongside her younger daughter Gracie, holding photos of her older daughter Laura.
She was a former Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity and died from a glioblastoma in May 2023.
‘It is remarkable and yet unsurprising that the brain tumour community has shown in overwhelming numbers that the best way to tackle this disease is through the systematic approach of having a National Brain Tumour Strategy,’ says Cameron Miller, Director of Policy & External Affairs at The Brain Tumour Charity.
‘Need to be a step change in the way brain tumours are tackled’
‘We would encourage all of those who have yet to add their name to this letter, to do so and continue to demonstrate that there needs to be a step change in the way brain tumours are tackled.’
The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity. It funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options.
The team also raise awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.
The Charity provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.
To find out more, visit: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/