Swimmer Archie Goodburn to meet prime minister over cancer funding

Key points

• Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn, 25, meets the prime minister after a tearful plea for more brain cancer research funding.
• Goodburn was diagnosed with three inoperable oligodendrogliomas two years ago.
• Charity Brain Tumour Research says charities provide over 75% of national brain tumour research investment, with government funding at 25%.

Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn is meeting the prime minister later on Wednesday after making an emotional plea for more investment in brain cancer research. Goodburn, 25, was diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumours two years ago.

The meeting was arranged after Andy Burnham contacted Goodburn on social media following his appearance on BBC Breakfast, where he cried while asking for more resources for research and care.

What Goodburn said

Goodburn said the Downing Street meeting offered a "unique opportunity for change". He called for a national brain cancer lead and for clinical trials from the US, Australia and China to be brought to the UK.

He said: "We cannot accept the status quo in the system, we cannot be risk-averse. People are dying." He added that his advocacy had opened doors to talks at the highest level of government.

Please establish a national brain cancer lead and give us a chance to fight for our lives because the things that patients are going through out there are unbelievable and so unjust.

— Archie Goodburn

Charity and political context

Charity Brain Tumour Research said brain tumours are the cancer most likely to kill patients under 40 in the UK. It said charities made up more than 75% of total national investment in brain tumour research, with government funding at 25%.

The Rare Cancers Bill, led by Edinburgh South West MP Scott Arthur, became law earlier this year. Goodburn said it did not go far enough and a dedicated brain cancer lead would allow greater focus on specific research and trials.