Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to meet Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn after his tearful appeal on BBC Breakfast for increased brain cancer research funding.
Emotional plea on BBC Breakfast
During Tuesday's programme, Goodburn looked directly into the camera and, with tears in his eyes, addressed the new Prime Minister directly, saying: "Andy Burnham, if you believe and you want to make a change and difference to the future of our country and our young population, please listen to us."
The 24-year-old swimmer was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour two years ago at the age of 22. Since then, he has been campaigning for more resources to be directed toward brain cancer research.
Prime Minister responds
On Wednesday's show, presenter Jon Kay announced the update: "The Prime Minister promises to meet with swimmer Archie Goodburn to talk about brain cancer research, 24/7 hours after Archie's emotional appeal here on breakfast."
Sarah Campbell clarified that Burnham would have a personal meeting with Goodburn, after the swimmer's call for more funding and support for brain cancer research.
Burnham also responded to Goodburn's video on social media. Campbell read the message aloud: "Archie, thank you for this. I know how hard it must have been. What you're doing for other people, while you're going through all this yourself, shows the best of us. I'd really like to meet you and hear from you directly, and I've asked my team to get in touch."
Reaction from Archie Goodburn
Later in the programme, Goodburn joined via videolink to discuss the past 24 hours and what lies ahead. He told presenters: "It's been an absolute whirlwind 24 hours, and to hear that Andy Burnham has reached out and received our message on behalf of the whole community was a huge breath of fresh air for us. We feel like it's been a long time since we've been listened to from that level of government, and we're really looking forward to chatting with Andy Burnham in the future and seeing what kind of changes we can make."
However, since the Prime Minister is currently on holiday, the meeting is not expected to take place for a few weeks.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
