In this guest post, two of our Young Ambassadors share their experience of a recent tour of Parliament.
Our experience in Parliament
As passionate advocates for the charity’s life-changing work, we felt it was essential to bring the lived experiences of people affected by brain tumours into the heart of Parliament.
We had an opportunity to question MPs on different areas that really mattered to us. It was a great opportunity and one you don’t want to miss.
There were positive discussions about what can be done to make sure people throughout the UK aren’t at a disadvantage in their care, as well as how to ensure care is consistent across the devolved nations. We also gained vital insights on the best ways to communicate with MPs to show them why brain tumours matter and how to raise The Charity’s profile in Parliament.
Meeting with Labour MPs Jess Asato and Tom Rutland
We were incredibly fortunate to start the day by hearing from Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, and Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham. Two MPs who were elected in July 2024 and who previously worked for Dame Tessa Jowell. They opened our Q&A with a heartfelt reflection on Dame Tessa Jowell, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2017 and sadly passed away in 2018.
From Jess and Tom’s poignant reflections about Tessa, the message was clear. Despite living with the impact of her brain tumour, she was deeply committed to not only raising awareness but, more importantly, highlighting the power and importance of love.
With Dame Jowell’s legacy at the forefront of our minds, we wanted to learn more about what the current Labour government is doing to establish a National Brain Tumour Strategy.
We felt it was crucial to remind the MPs that in 2018, following Dame Tessa Jowell’s advocacy about the slow progress in brain cancer treatment compared to other cancers, the UK government pledged £40 million for research into brain tumours. However, as of May 2024, only £15 million of that pledge had been allocated.
It was important to show Jess and Tom how the failure to meet the government’s pledge has deeply affected us within the community. It feels as though we have been forgotten over the past few years. While we acknowledge that some factors are beyond the government’s control and may have impacted the pledge, that doesn’t make a brain tumour diagnosis any less real or less frightening.
A tough reality
At an emotional stage of the Q&A, we wanted to bring Jess and Tom’s attention to the tough reality of what it can mean to be diagnosed with a brain tumour as a young adult.
Our cohort of Young Ambassadors began as a group of 21 in April 2024. Less than a year later, we’re a group of 19 after two of our cohort – Harry and Alexander – sadly passed away. This tragic loss highlights the urgency of our mission. Each of us is here because we know too well the devastating impact of brain tumours and we’ll continue to fight for the change we so desperately need.
Overall, the meeting was a great success. We helped shine a much-needed spotlight on brain tumours within the UK government. We left feeling hopeful that our voices had been heard and that this marks a step toward meaningful change for those affected.
A massive thank you to both Tom and Jess for listening to our questions and to Tom and his team for hosting us throughout the day.
The tour of Parliament
Visiting the Houses of Parliament in London was really cool! Walking through the old halls and grand rooms, we got to see where important decisions are made and, most touchingly, where Dame Tessa Jowell made her inspiring speeches about brain tumours.
The building is beautiful, with tall ceilings, gold decorations and famous rooms like the House of Lords. Many of these rooms you don’t see photographed so it was an unforgettable experience.
Seeing Big Ben up close was amazing too! You always take photos from the bridge but having them on the other side was a fantastic experience. It was fun to learn about how the government works for matters beyond brain tumours and health, as well as get insight into how being an MP works. It was incredible to stand in the same place that so much history has happened and will continue to be made.
Ending the day
To end the day, the Young Ambassadors went for lunch in Pizza Express. As I looked around at this group of awe-inspiring individuals, I was reminded of the words of Dame Tessa Jowell in her final speech in the House of Lords in January 2018: “I am not afraid. I am hopeful.”
We are not afraid. We are hopeful.