Swimmer with brain cancer to meet prime minister over funding

Summarised from BBC Edinburgh East And Fife's report · Updated 14 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn, diagnosed with inoperable brain tumours, is meeting the prime minister after appealing for more brain cancer research investment.

Swimmer Archie Goodburn, 25, was diagnosed with three large oligodendrogliomas, a rare type of brain cancer, two years ago after experiencing numbness and seizures during training for the 2024 Olympic trials. Surgery to remove the tumours was found to be impossible, though he underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He has since reached the final of the 50m breaststroke at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Goodburn made a tearful appeal for more resources into brain cancer research and care. He called for a national brain cancer lead to be established and for clinical trials taking place elsewhere to be brought to the UK. Following his public plea, the prime minister contacted Goodburn on social media to arrange a meeting at Downing Street, which Goodburn described as offering a 'unique opportunity for change'.

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• Swimmer Archie Goodburn to meet prime minister over cancer fundingThe Scottish athlete, who has inoperable brain tumours, previously made a tearful plea for more investment in brain cancer research on BBC Breakfast.BBC Edinburgh East And Fife · 14 Oct, 08:37

In this story: Archie Goodburn · Andy Burnham · BBC Breakfast · Downing Street · Scotland · UK · 2026 Commonwealth Games · Glasgow

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