Brain cancer campaigners praise government meeting

A family campaigning for increased investment in brain cancer research after the death of their teenage son have said their meeting with a government official "could not have gone better".

Max Hall, 14, from Corby, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour last year - and died in August.

The family met James Frith, the health minister for rare diseases, at Westminster on Wednesday, to discuss commitments on annual funding for research as well as targets to ensure rare tumours received the same attention as other cancers.

Max's mother Jackie said Frith "made commitments" to take the family's questions forward.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, she said: "Currently there's absolutely nothing out there for children that are diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

"The options are standard care which is radiotherapy and chemotherapy and after that there isn't anything, there are no trials, there's nothing in this country, you have to go outside of the UK to access that."

She said that Frith had "promised he will take this forward" and would update the family in three months' time.

In a statement, Frith said: "Our hearts go out to Max's family and friends.

"Earlier this month, the Prime Minister and Health Secretary announced new action to accelerate progress on brain cancer, including a rapid expert review, a national action plan and a dedicated national clinical lead to drive change.

"We are determined to turn that renewed focus into faster progress on research, clinical trials and new treatments for people affected by this devastating disease."

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