Home / Health / Teen's Death Spurs Call for Brain Cancer Research Funding
Teen's Death Spurs Call for Brain Cancer Research Funding
28 Oct
Summary
- Family seeks increased investment in rare brain tumour research.
- Specialist treatment access and funding targets are key demands.
- Over £100,000 raised for low-altitude flight to German treatment.
A family is urging for enhanced investment in brain cancer research after the passing of their teenage son, Max Hall. Max, aged 14, was diagnosed with an 'incurable' brain tumor in the previous year and died in August. His parents are scheduled to meet with the health minister for rare diseases on Wednesday in Westminster.
The meeting aims to discuss commitments regarding annual funding for research and to establish targets ensuring rare tumors receive attention comparable to other cancers. Max's mother highlighted the need for improved specialist treatment access within the UK.
Initially informed that Max would receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the UK, the family pursued alternative treatments in Germany due to limited support for his rare tumor type. Doctors had cautioned that these treatments might not be effective.
As Max could not travel on commercial flights due to seizure risks, the family raised over £100,000 through public donations. This sum facilitated a low-altitude flight to Germany for specialized care, which his mother believes provided him with additional time.
