Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden was pleased to get an update on the ‘Pathway to a Cure – breaking down the barriers’ inquiry discussed at the latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Brain Tumours this week, where members of the brain tumour community came together virtually to discuss the issues experienced by those facing a devastating diagnosis.
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and yet just 1% of the national research spend on cancer has been allocated to this devastating disease. Wealden charity Charlie’s Challenge - a member charity of Brain Tumour Research, is aiming to improve the outlook for children diagnosed with brain tumours.
Charlie’s Challenge was established in 1993 by Charlie Boutwood’s parents who live in Horam, after he was diagnosed as having a malignant brain tumour at 20 months of age. Against the odds, Charlie made a remarkable recovery and now leads a normal life thanks to the dedicated care and treatment he received.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Brain tumours account for the highest mortality rate in childhood cancer. It is remarkable that Charlie made a full recovery and is enjoying life as a young adult. However, many other children have not been so fortunate and much more research is needed to cure this dreadful disease and to improve options and outcomes for brain tumour patients. If you can, please support Charlie’s Challenge at: www.charlieschallenge.co.uk.”
