Swimmer Archie Goodburn to meet prime minister over cancer funding
Swimmer Archie Goodburn is due to meet the prime minister after calling for greater investment in brain cancer research and care. He says the meeting is a chance to push for change for patients, including better access to clinical trials and a national brain cancer lead.
Goodburn, 25, was diagnosed in 2024 with three inoperable oligodendrogliomas after numbness and seizures during training for the Olympic trials; he has since had chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Brain Tumour Research says charities provide more than 75% of UK investment in brain tumour research, while government funding accounts for 25%. The Rare Cancers Act became law earlier this year, but Goodburn argues more targeted action is needed.
- Archie Goodburn will meet the prime minister to discuss brain cancer.
- He is calling for more research funding and access to trials.
- Charities provide over 75% of UK brain tumour research investment.
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Brain tumours are cancers that develop in the brain, and some are rare, making research and treatment options more limited. Oligodendrogliomas are a type of brain tumour; Goodburn was diagnosed with three inoperable tumours in 2024 and has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Goodburn is a former competitive swimmer who has used his experience to call for more research and better support for patients. He wants people to have better access to clinical trials and the UK to appoint a national lead for brain cancer.
Brain Tumour Research says charities fund more than three quarters of UK brain tumour research, with the government providing the rest. The Rare Cancers Act became law earlier this year, but campaigners say further targeted action may be needed to improve research and care.