A grieving mother whose daughter died from brain cancer has made an emotional plea for government help on BBC Breakfast, following a heartfelt appeal by swimmer Archie Goodburn to Andy Burnham for increased cancer funding.
During Saturday's episode, hosts Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell spoke with Nicola Nuttall, whose daughter Laura died aged 23 from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. Nicola described the lack of resources for brain cancer research and treatments as "bad" and demanded "concrete actions" from the government.
Archie Goodburn's emotional appeal
The conversation was sparked after Commonwealth Games athlete Archie Goodburn, 25, who was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumours at 22, broke down live on the show and pleaded: "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."
Nicola also became emotional and shared her pride at Archie's appeals, but warned the government needs to do more. "I think he has made a phenomenal difference in such a short time," she said. "It makes me really emotional to talk about it because he did such a great job of just cutting through and showing what it is really like living with a brain tumour and the frustration that we all feel about the fact that nothing has changed."
25 years without a new drug
Nicola emphasised that the last medication for brain cancer was introduced 25 years ago, and insisted that the government must take further action, including the crucial role of a national brain cancer lead in tackling challenges and overseeing research and treatment.
"You think how we've improved in every aspect of health, and yet it is 25 years since we've had a new drug for the type of brain cancer that Laura had," she continued. "It's just shocking."
Andy Burnham's response questioned
Andy Burnham has since responded to Archie's online appeal, thanking him and offering to meet him. However, Charlie questioned whether this would bring about any change in brain cancer charities, research, and patient care.
He said: "Now, I'm not going to put words into your mouth, but the easy part of this process is an appeal on this sofa, direct to a new Prime Minister. And the easy part, in a way, is Andy Burnham responding and saying 'I'd love to meet and have the conversation', those are the easy bits, aren't they?"
He added: "The only thing that matters is whether something changes. I assume you're optimistic, but you know the realities because you have tried to get stuff done before."
Nicola praised the Prime Minister in her response and said: "I am hopeful because we have Andy Burnham in charge now, and my dealings with Andy so far in life have been really positive. But meeting Archie can't just be a photo opportunity and a lovely selfie with him that's shared on social media, because we've done this, we've been here before. It needs to translate into actual, measurable, and quantifiable changes."
BBC Breakfast is available to watch on BBC One from 6am.
