Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn became tearful on BBC Breakfast Tuesday, making an impassioned plea to Prime Minister Andy Burnham for increased investment in brain cancer research. Goodburn, who was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumors at age 22, has become a vocal advocate for greater awareness and funding for cancer research.
During his appearance on the program, the 25-year-old Scottish swimmer directly addressed the Prime Minister, appealing for improved support for brain cancer patients and their families, whose suffering he described as "unbearable."
"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," Goodburn said, his voice breaking. "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 is unbelievable and so unjust."
He highlighted the existence of clinical trials in countries like the U.S., Australia, and China that could potentially save lives, noting their absence in the UK. "We are not seeing them in the UK and it is unfair and unjust," he stated. "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."
Goodburn's appeal comes after the Rare Cancers Bill, intended to enhance research and trials for rare cancer types, became law earlier this year. While acknowledging the efforts of Scott Arthur MP in passing the bill, Goodburn expressed that it falls short of addressing the severity of brain cancer, which he described as an "extremely deadly" disease despite being rare.
He pointed out that the Rare Cancers Bill establishes two part-time positions—a clinical lead and a research lead—that will collectively cover 14 different rare cancer types for a total of 36 days per year. "I do not see how 36 days a year is going to make that change for 14 different types of cancers, let alone the most deadly type of cancer," he remarked.
Despite his ongoing health challenges, Goodburn recently competed in the 50m breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He emphasized that his athletic achievements are partly due to medical advances and community advocacy, and he feels compelled to contribute to this momentum.
"What I do in the pool is only possible because of the medical advances that have been made and the campaign that's been done by the whole community. It was really kind of a chance to give back and make sure that momentum keeps going," he said. Goodburn believes the lower public profile of brain cancer stems from the rapid progression of the disease, noting that his own longer prognosis has afforded him the time to advocate. "I think when you're really backed up against a wall like that there's only really one way to go and that's to go and fight."