Archie Goodburn was left shaking in tears (Image: BBC)
A BBC Breakfast guest was left shaking and in tears on today’s show.
Archie Goodburn couldn’t contain his emotions as he issued a desperate plea to Andy Burnham asking for more brain cancer funding.
The Commonwealth Games swimmer was diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer in 2024 at the age of 22.
Despite the passing of the Rare Cancers Bill aimed at improving research and trials, Archie believes it’s not enough.
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Appearing on Tuesday’s (August 4) episode of BBC Breakfast alongside hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, the athlete called on the Prime Minister to step in.
Archie broke down in tears as he looked into the camera and said: “Andy Burnham, if you believe and want to make a change and difference to the future of our country and our population, please listen to us.”
The Commonwealth Games star was diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer
The 25-year-old could be seen shaking as he continued: “Please establish a national brain cancer lead and give us a chance to fight for our lives because honestly the things that patients are going through out there is unbelievable and so unjust.”
He went on: “There are clinical trials around the world in the US, in Australia, in China that could change lives and we are not seeing it in the UK and it’s unfair and unjust so please invest and make a difference.”
As tears rolled down his face, he added: “I’m on my knees begging for not just my own life but those of my best friends and those who 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.
“The Rare Cancers Bill is not going to be enough. It’s a step in the right direction but it’s not going to make the changes we need but it is a step in the right direction.”
Jon and Sally presented the show together on Tuesday morning(Image: BBC)
Speaking on the lack of research, Archie said elsewhere: “Brain cancer since 2001 has received less than 2% of the national cancer budget.
“What is really different now is that I’ve been with labs, I’ve been with patients to visit labs and we’ve seen clinical trials results where possible breakthrough drugs are being discovered.
“The funding isn’t being put in place to allow these discoveries to turn into clinical trials and I’ve met with researchers and they’re frustrated by this.”
He added: “As a patient to see PowerPoint slides on how effective these drugs are working but they’re not even getting a chance to be tested on patients.
“It’s extremely frustrating knowing that the patients are going through what they’re going through out there. You know young people are dying under 40 and knowing these things exist in labs but aren’t receiving the funding to make it out of the lab is truly painful.”
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
