Professional swimmer Archie Goodburn, 25, has made an emotional appeal to Andy Burnham for increased funding for brain cancer patients, following his own terminal diagnosis. In a BBC Breakfast interview, the Scottish athlete, who competed at the Commonwealth Games this summer, broke down in tears as he criticized the Rare Cancers Bill as insufficient.
A devastating diagnosis
Goodburn was 22 when he was diagnosed with brain tumours that are inoperable due to their spread. He described brain cancer as 'rare, but extremely deadly' and expressed frustration that the bill creates only two part-time roles to cover 14 different cancers, including brain cancer. 'I do not see how 36 days a year is going to make that change for 14 different types of cancer, let alone the most deadly type of cancer,' he said, visibly upset.
A direct appeal to the Prime Minister
The 50m breaststroke record holder directly addressed Andy Burnham, saying: 'Andy Burnham, if you believe and want to make a change and a difference to the future of our country and our young population, please listen to us. Please establish a national brain cancer lead and give us a chance to fight for our lives because the things that patients are going through out there are unbelievable and so unjust.'
He highlighted that clinical trials in the US, Australia, and China could offer hope but are not available in the UK. 'We are not seeing them in the UK and it is unfair and unjust,' he added.
Symptoms and personal experience
Before his diagnosis, Goodburn experienced seizures, numbness on his left side, and a sense of deja-vu. Brain cancer symptoms include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, memory problems, or paralysis on one side of the body.
A plea from the heart
'Please invest and make the difference. I'm on my knees begging for – not just my own life – but for those of my best friends and those that are affected and the families around the country. This has to change. It's been going on for too long and the suffering is unbearable,' he said, apologizing for his emotion.
He described the Rare Cancers Bill as a 'step in the right direction' but not enough for real change. The BBC Breakfast clip has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on X, with many viewers moved to tears.
Support from medical and charity communities
The Walton Centre neurology hospital called Goodburn 'inspirational', and The Brain Tumour Charity thanked him for raising awareness. Brain Tumour Research commented: 'Thank you for continuing to use your voice, Archie. No one should have to fight a brain tumour knowing so little research has been done. The Rare Cancers Bill is an important step, but now we need sustained investment to turn hope into better treatments and ultimately, cures.'
Looking forward
After finishing seventh at the Commonwealth Games, Goodburn spoke of his dream for 'a future where brain cancer isn't the biggest killer of patients under 40'. The Prime Minister's office has been contacted for comment.
