BREAKING NEWS: BBC Breakfast viewers ‘in tears’ after guest with incurable c@ncer breaks down on air
Archie Goodburn made an emotional plea for brain c@ncer funding during his BBC Breakfast appearance
Archie Goodburn makes tearful appeal for brain c@ncer funding
BBC Breakfast viewers were left ‘in tears’ as Archie Goodburn begged the Prime Minister for more brain c@ncer funding. The Commonwealth Games swimmer was told that he is unlikely to live beyond his 40s after being diagnosed with an incurable form of brain c@ncer in 2024 at the age of 22. He has since passionately advocated for an increased focus on the disease, and during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, he’s calling for action.
The Rare c@ncers Bill – led by Scott Arthur MP – became law earlier this year. It aims to incentivize research and investment in the treatment of rare c@ncers, but Goodburn says it does not go far enough. However, Archie believes it’s “not enough” as he told hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay it was “a step in the right direction” but won’t lead to the “changes they need. He added, “I’m extremely grateful for Dr. Scott Arthur and the work he’s done there.”
The Commonwealth Games swimmer was diagnosed with an incurable form of brain c@ncer (Image: BBC)
“The rare c@ncers bill covers 14 different types of rare c@ncers. Brain c@ncer is one of these in terms of incidents of diagnosis, but it’s not the same in terms of the number of de@ths it causes. Yes, it’s rare, but it’s extremely deadly. This frustrates me immensely,” Archie went on.
“The rare c@ncers bill establishes two new positions: a clinical lead and a research lead. These two roles are part-time across 14 different types of c@ncers, and they accumulate to 36 days a year.
There are two roles to cover 14 different types of c@ncer and change the landscape of treatment. I do not see how 36 days a year is going to make that change for 14 different types of c@ncers, let alone the most deadly type of c@ncer.”
Elsewhere, he broke down in tears as he begged Andy Burnham to “please listen to us.” The 25-year-old could be seen shaking as he insisted he was “begging for not just my own life but those of my best friends” as well as others affected around the UK.
He called for change, adding that the “suffering is unbearable” and said he will continue to fight the disease and try to make a difference for other patients.
The BBC Breakfast stars spoke to Macclesfield FC manager John Rooney on Monday’s show (Image: BBC)
“I partly feel like why we hear so much about brain c@ncer and why the awareness is so poor is because patients unfortunately die so quickly,” he said. I have this prognosis which is slightly longer and it’s given me this time to advocate – it’s two years since I was diagnosed. I think when you’re really backed up against a wall like that there’s only really one way to go and that’s to go and fight.”
Viewers watching at home were quick to share their reaction on social media as one said: “Such an impressive young man with a real passion and mission”
Another said: “Archie’s emotional appeal this morning had me in tears – please @andyburnham if you’ve seen this take action and help people like Archie and their families all around the country. Archie, you are the champion.”
One commented: “Such a heartfelt plea in tears watching, My heart goes out to him and his family as a mother of someone who has gone through 2 brain tumour surgeries. This country needs to act now and spend money where it is hugely needed, our love to Archie.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Such a moving interview this morning with Archie. I hope his plea makes a difference.”
