Rugby MP Mark Pawsey attended a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours with local resident Peter Realf to hear from a panel of experts into how the needs of researchers and patients’ can be secured as the UK leaves the European Union.
Mark was joined by other Parliamentarians and representatives of Brain Tumour Research inside Westminster Hall in Parliament where scientists and industry leaders addressed key issues for brain tumour researchers including attracting the best talent and strengthening collaboration in clinical trials.
Peter and his wife Liz lost their son Stephen to a brain tumour in August 2014. He was diagnosed at the age of 19 and was 26 when he died. The family has campaigned tirelessly with Brain Tumour Research in order to draw attention to the issues around the underfunding of the disease.
The family’s efforts in recent years saw a Parliamentary petition, which received over 140,000 signatures and has triggered a Parliamentary inquiry. This petition also led to a landmark debate, during which Mark spoke in a packed Westminster Hall about the work done by the Realf family to draw awareness to the challenges faced by those with a brain tumour. A Government report produced as a result of the petition is due to be published before Christmas.
Speaking after the meeting, Mark commented:
“I’m honoured to support the APPG on Brain Tumours and the work of Peter, Liz and Maria. They have been instrumental in highlighting the issues that matter to the brain tumour community and really ensuring that their concerns get the attention they deserve.”
Mark continued:
“As the UK leaves the European Union, it is essential that the UK leads the way in investing in research into brain tumours. I’m looking forward to reading the upcoming Government report into brain tumour research and hope Ministers address the concerns raised by those affected by this devastating disease, and those fighting it.”
Peter Realf added:
“It is vital that we continue to lobby the government and keep up pressure on the larger cancer charities to ensure this cause is given the attention and the funding it deserves. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age therefore we must do all we can to make sure research funding, access to clinical trials and new drugs are not hindered as we prepare to leave the EU.”