Anna's Hope founder delight as Government package for brain tumour patients is introduced

The founder of a charity set up to help children and young people with brain tumours is delighted that the Government has set up a package of measures to help more people.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2016, 15:11 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2016, 16:15 BST
Carole Hope, from Anna's Hope, with lobbyists from member charities of Brain Tumour Research in Parliament EMN-160420-145249001Carole Hope, from Anna's Hope, with lobbyists from member charities of Brain Tumour Research in Parliament EMN-160420-145249001
Carole Hope, from Anna's Hope, with lobbyists from member charities of Brain Tumour Research in Parliament EMN-160420-145249001

Carole Hughes, of Pilsgate near Barnack, founded Anna’s Hope in memory of her daughter Anna, who died in 2006 aged three years and eight months.

Anna’s Hope is a member charity of Brain Tumour Research and over the years, Carole and husband Rob have fought for more funding and awareness.

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Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer but currently just one per cent of national spend on cancer research is allocated to brain tumours.

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But on Monday, the Government acknowledged that more must be done to help brain tumour patients, when a House of Commons debate took place.

Activists across the UK signed an online petition, prompting the debate, which was signed by more than 120,000 people.

Health minister George Freeman MP announced a package of measures at the Westminster Hall debate.

These included:

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l Set up a “Task and Finish” working group at the Department of Health looking at areas highlighted by the Petitions Committee report.

l Request the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) produce a national register within a year to examine how public funds are spent on research.

l Seek to improve levels of earlier diagnosis.

Carole attended the debate on Monday.

She said afterwards: “This was a historic moment for those affected by a brain tumour.

“After 10 years of raising awareness of brain tumours, I was proud to be involved and witness the first ever full debate in Parliament calling for better research and rehabilitation for those diagnosed with a brain tumour.”

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She was particularly pleased that Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson (Con) spoke, recognising the work done by Anna’s 
Hope.

Carole added: “It has been a long journey but this could be the beginning of a brighter future for those suffering with the UK’s biggest cancer killer of children and those under 40.

“It was a privilege to be amongst friends and new friends from other charities and together we have all shown how we can make a difference.

“It was a very emotional day and I am sure Anna will be so proud of what has been achieved.”

l SW Car Supermarket, in Peterborough, has donated £540 to Anna’s Hope.

This was raised by donating a portion from all car sales where Barclay’s Finance provided the 
funding.

Related topics:Government