Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, has agreed to meet with Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn, 25, who is urging increased funding and resources for brain cancer research following his diagnosis of inoperable brain tumours. Goodburn, a finalist in the 50m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games, made an emotional appeal during an interview on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, calling on the government to establish a national lead for brain cancer and expand access to clinical trials in the UK.

In his appeal, Goodburn emphasized the severity of brain cancer and the urgent need for more comprehensive support for patients and their families. He highlighted disparities in research opportunities, noting that clinical trials available in countries such as the United States, Australia, and China have yet to be fully accessible in the UK. “The things that patients are going through are unbelievable and so unjust,” he said, urging the government to invest more in research and treatment. “I’m on my knees begging for—not just my own life—but for those of my best friends and families affected across the country.”

Goodburn also criticized the scope of the Rare Cancers Bill, which was enacted last year and created two new roles—a clinical lead and a research lead—to oversee 14 types of rare cancers. He argued that dedicating only 36 days annually between these two positions is insufficient, especially given brain cancer’s lethality. “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 said.

Burnham responded to Goodburn’s plea in a TikTok comment, sharing his appreciation for Goodburn’s advocacy amid personal health challenges. “What you’re doing for other people while you’re going through all this yourself shows the best of us,” the Prime Minister said. He added that he has instructed his team to arrange a meeting to hear directly from Goodburn.

Diagnosed two years ago with inoperable brain tumours, Goodburn has become an advocate for increased attention to brain cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer death among younger patients. Following his participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he narrowly missed medaling, Goodburn expressed hope for improved outcomes: “One of my dreams is that we see a future where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of patients under 40.”

Up to now, Goodburn credited advances in medical research and patient campaigning for enabling him to continue competing. He described his recent call to action as an effort to maintain momentum toward better treatment and ultimately reduce the burden of this disease.