Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn, diagnosed with incurable brain cancer at 22, made an emotional plea on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (August 4), begging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to "please listen to us" and increase funding for brain cancer research.
Tearful appeal for funding
The 25-year-old, visibly trembling and with tears streaming down his cheeks, said the current funding situation is "unbelievable and so unjust." He stressed that more money would "give us a chance to fight for our lives," adding that he is "on my knees begging" for change not only for himself but for all affected patients and families across the country.
Goodburn highlighted that funding is not directed to "allow these discoveries to turn into clinical trials," noting that researchers have shared their frustrations with him.
Diagnosis and rare cancer
Two years ago, doctors diagnosed Goodburn with Oligodendrogliomas, a type of brain tumour accounting for roughly three per cent of all primary brain tumours. The Department of Health and Social Care said the government is working to provide earlier detection and improved treatment through the Rare Cancers Act, passed earlier this year.
Commonwealth Games inspiration
Despite his diagnosis, Goodburn achieved his goal of reaching the 50m breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, missing out on a medal but using the platform to advocate for increased research.
Reflecting on the Games, he said: "It was an honour to compete in front of such a fantastic and supportive home crowd. To see the support off the back of those interviews has been really really touching and inspiring. In that moment I was speaking about what felt important to me and the crowd were very supportive of my journey, and it only felt right to address that when I got out the pool."
He added: "What I do in the pool is only possible because of the medical advances that have been made and the campaign that's been done by the whole community. It was really a chance to give back and make sure that momentum keeps going."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
