In her speech to the Conservative Conference this morning, Prime Minister Theresa May talked of giving a “voice to the voiceless” and remembered Alexander Paul, a young university student who sadly died of a brain tumour, aged just 21 in June.
Alexander was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour aged 20 and subsequently underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Commenting on Theresa May’s remarks, our Chief Executive, Sue Farrington Smith MBE said:
“To hear of yet another young life being cut short as a result of this devastating disease is heart-breaking and my thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends.
"The Prime Minister spoke about rooting out injustice and giving a voice to everyone as being core to her values. The unmet needs of brain tumour patients are a continuing injustice that sees less than 20% of those diagnosed surviving beyond five years. Alexander’s story clearly moved Theresa May and I hope now that she takes decisive action.
"Her Government will shortly receive a report they themselves commissioned from the Department of Health Task and Finish Working Group on brain tumour research, following a petition of over 120,000 signatures. Now is the time for Theresa May to help us fund the fight and tackle the barriers to finding a cure.”