Hello everyone,
I am writing this not knowing what the video clip at the top of the update contains.
I sincerely hope that it is news of a clear passage from the Commons to the Lords of the Rare Cancers Bill as put forward by Scott Arthur MP. Much of this week has been dedicated to introducing it to members of the Upper House, industry representatives and other charities. As you will know from yesterday’s update, there has been an element of last minute jeopardy but long hours, hard work and wonderful supportive contacts hopefully have delivered the right result.
Thank you to all of you who supported our call to contact your MP – we’ll update on next steps next week.
Scott had a message for Brain Tumour Research supporters following today’s events in the House of Commons:
It was 20 years ago, on 11ᵗʰ July 2005, that the then-Buckingham MP, John Bercow, established the APPG on Brain Tumours (APPGBT).
A press release that week noted:
“John has championed the cause of brain tumours ever since his constituent Sue Farrington Smith of Ali’s Dream went to see him in January 2004 to highlight the issues. In April 2004, he initiated an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, and, in October 2004, sponsored an MPs’ reception at the House of Commons.”
Sue, of course, became the founding Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research.
Until her retirement in 2023, Sue kept a keen eye on the APPGBT, guiding, advising and overseeing important pieces of work such as the 2023 landmark inquiry report ‘Pathway to a Cure – breaking down the barriers’ which demanded action to make brain tumour research a “critical priority”.
Five years earlier, the APPGBT launched its first-ever inquiry, compiling evidence and publishing the report ‘Brain Tumours - a cost too much to bear?'.
As it was in 2005, it remains in 2025, that the APPGBT is set up to raise awareness of the issues facing the brain tumour community in order to improve research, diagnosis, information, support, treatment and care outcomes.
Chairs, Officers, and Members have come and gone over the past two decades and we feel very fortunate that the current custodian of the Chair of the APPGBT is Dame Siobhain McDonagh, a passionate and dynamic driving force.
We will return to this anniversary in later communications but today we are proud to note this 20-year anniversary and are proud of the role we played in setting up the group and continue to play by supplying secretariat support.
On Tuesday 13ᵗʰ May, the APPG welcomed Health Minister Ashley Dalton – the meeting minutes are on our website.
Finally this week, Thomas has had a chance to reflect on the 10-Year Health Plan that was launched last Thursday. He concludes that the next decade must deliver for brain tumour patients and that: “The 10-Year Health Plan presents a genuine opportunity to address some of the long-standing challenges facing brain tumour research – provided its ambitions are matched by sustained, targeted investment and transparent accountability.” You can read the whole piece here.
That’s it for this update. We will be back with another update next week – thanks again for all the support.
Wishing you a peaceful week,
Karen, Hugh and Thomas
