Yesterday (Monday 24th September), Brain Tumour Research held a drop in event for the Northern Ireland Assembly in the magnificent Long Gallery at Stormont.
The event was sponsored by Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Cara Hunter, who we have been in contact with since she disclosed her own brain tumour diagnosis. She later visited Westminster, where she met then-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT), Derek Thomas.
This was a chance to talk to MLAs about this devastating disease, and explore how MLA’s might be able to support Belfast-based researchers leading the fight against the disease.
Attendees heard from Colin McMillan, Chairperson of Brainwaves NI (a Member Charity of Brain Tumour Research), researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast, and Evie MacKerracher and her mum Kerrie. Kerrie has had to face hearing the news "your child has a brain tumour" not just once, but for two out of her three children.
Minister Nesbitt (centre) pictured with Cara Hunter MLA and Hugh Adams
We were delighted that Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was able to join us, and he said he was ready to “take on the challenge”.
Our Head of Stakeholder Relations Hugh Adams who also spoke at the event said: “This was a very encouraging turnout for an event that had positivity at its core. It is the beginning of the conversation and I am optimistic we can work with MLAs to support the exceptional work already underway in Northern Ireland.”
Published Tuesday 24th September 2024.
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