Berkshire brain tumour survivor joins Brussels campaign

Tom Peddie diagnosed with the disease aged just 4

A brain tumour survivor from Bucklebury joined campaigners recently at the European Parliament to call for more action to fight the disease.

Tom Peddie was diagnosed with the disease aged just four years old and he recovered following a course of radiotherapy but at a cost of lasting damage to his brain.

Mr Peddie, now aged 21, was among a group of Young Ambassadors for The Brain Tumour Charity, who travelled to Brussels to press for increased investment in research, and better support services for those with brain tumours.

The Berkshire resident and his fellow Young Ambassadors, all of whom have either been treated for a brain tumour or have lost a close relative to the disease, met Emma McClarkin, MEP for the East Midlands, to discuss their experiences and also visited the office of the European Cancer Patient Coalition.

Mr Peddie, who is a volunteer for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Visiting the European Parliament in Brussels was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to try to get the MEPs in Brussels on our side in the fight for a cure for brain tumours.

“We talked to them about our individual experiences of having a brain tumour, which demonstrated the need for greater ongoing support for survivors, as well as faster diagnosis times and better treatments.”

The Brain Tumour Charity’s chief executive Sarah Lindsell said: “Our Young Ambassadors’ stories are a powerful reminder of why we need more research into brain tumours and better treatments for the disease.

“We will continue to push at every level, both within the UK and more widely, for progress towards our twin goals of doubling survival and halving the harm caused by brain tumours.”