Hello everyone,
As we wrap up the year, we want to start with a heartfelt thank you. Every time we ask you to email your MP, more of you take action – and it truly makes a difference. Your efforts helped ensure strong attendance at the first meeting of our APPG in 2026 – and that momentum is driving real change.
A major milestone: £13 million for research into brain tumours
We are thrilled to share some incredible news: the Government has announced a significant investment of more than £13 million for research into brain tumours. And this is just the beginning – early in 2026, further funding will be announced for clinical trials for brain tumour patients.
You can read more about this announcement here, but the key point is: this has happened because of you. Together, we created pressure and momentum that led to the formation of the NIHR Consortium and unlocked these funds. Future investments will follow and your campaigning has been central to this success.
Looking back on 2025
Our Communications Manager, Alexa Copson has written a blog titled “2025: A year of influencing change.” It's a great read that captures the impact of our collective efforts this year.
This week, Brain Tumour Research also published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. The report highlights record achievements:
- Income: £8.7 million
- Research spend: More than £3.8 million
You can explore the full report here.
Continuing the momentum
It’s not just about looking back – we’ve been busy this week too! Katherine and Jana met MPs from across the Chamber, including Dr Scott Arthur and Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew.
As Katherine notes:
“It’s always good to see our Brain Tumour Research friend and supporter Dr Scott Arthur and check in with him regarding his Rare Cancers Bill. We will continue to support Scott and his team as Bill approaches its next reading in the House of Lords. This is a vital and much needed piece of legislation with patients at the heart of its agenda. Our charity has been paramount in its inception and progress.
“We also met with Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew again. It was really positive to catch up with Stuart, having met at Conservative Party Conference. We shared some of our briefings and data with him ahead of the Opposition’s engagement pertaining to the forthcoming Cancer Plan. Stuart also asked for a briefing note for the Health and Social Care Select Committee's business.”
These meetings ensure that patients remain at the heart of policy decisions.
What’s next?
As 2025 ends, we stand on the brink of transformative change:
- This week’s funding announcement, with more to come
- The second reading of the Rare Cancers Bill in the House of Lords
- A pending NICE decision on vorasidenib
- Representation at the Scottish appraisal of vorasidenib in January
- The launch of the National Cancer Plan in February
For a decade, momentum eluded us. Now it’s here – because of your dedication. We could not have done it without you.
Looking ahead
We’ll take a short break now and our next campaigning update will arrive on Friday 9th January. In the meantime, join us on social media over the festive period to hear reflections from our CEO, Dan, and others in our community.
From all of us – Karen, Hugh, Katherine and Jana – thank you for everything you’ve done this year. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful start to 2026.
