A long-running campaign to improve brain cancer care has secured a major breakthrough.
Witney MP Charlie Maynard has welcomed the Government’s decision to appoint a national brain cancer clinical lead, a key goal of his campaign to improve treatment and support for patients.
The announcement follows pressure from Mr Maynard and others, including campaign group Brain Cancer Justice, which was co-founded by his sister, Georgie.
Mr Maynard said: "This is a huge step forward for everyone affected by brain cancer.
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"None of this would have happened without patients and their families, MPs and peers from across the House, researchers, campaign groups like Brain Cancer Justice, and the many supporters who refused to let this be ignored.
"Special mention must go to Archie Goodburn, who brought this to the Prime Minister’s door."
Earlier this year, Mr Maynard joined Brain Cancer Justice in delivering a petition signed by more than 109,000 people to Downing Street.
The Government’s new commitment is part of a wider plan to get new treatments to patients faster.
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham following a meeting with 25-year-old campaigner Archie Goodburn.
The Government has also pledged to develop a national action plan, review rules on rare cancer medicines, and increase patient participation in clinical trials.
Mr Maynard said: "I’ve raised this in Parliament at every opportunity, and I’m incredibly proud that the case we’ve made has been heard.
"There is still much more to do."
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