A Westbury woman has visited the Houses of Parliament to campaign for better funding for brain tumour research after her fiancé’s diagnosis in 2023 inspired her to take action.
Emma Lane, 26, volunteers as a Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, working to raise awareness and push for change. Her role involves meeting with MPs, giving speeches, helping at events, attending laboratory tours and advocating for greater research investment.
Around 88,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour, and approximately 34 people are diagnosed daily. Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 40, yet they receive only 3% of cancer research funding.
Emma said, “After my fiancé, Matt, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023, we were determined to make the best of our circumstances and find things to look forward to.
“While Matt built momentum cycling for The Brain Tumour Charity, I became a volunteer Young Ambassador. Before volunteering, I knew I had to do something to help. From contemplating PhDs to considering a marathon, I came across the Young Ambassador scheme in an email. It seemed like the ideal opportunity to get involved.
“As well as the Young Ambassador team, knowing that I am a part of the wider team at the charity gives me a shared sense of purpose. We’re all here in the same boat, and while I really wish that none of us were in this boat at all, I’m grateful that we have found each other since we are here.”
In March, Emma and her fellow Young Ambassadors visited the Houses of Parliament to speak with politicians about the work of The Brain Tumour Charity.
They encouraged MPs to ask about brain tumour research during a consultation of the National Cancer Plan, urged them to sign a cross-party letter to Health Minister Wes Streeting and asked them to attend the second reading of Dr Scott Arthur’s Rare Cancer Bill which aims to enhance research and investment into the treatment of rare cancers.
Emma also visited Parliament in February, when the Young Ambassadors brought their lived experiences to MPs Jess Asato and Tom Rutland.
The group took part in a Q&A with the politicians and discussed how to unlock £40 million of funding pledged to brain tumour research in memory of Dame Tessa Jowell, who died in 2018. The MPs took the time to listen and commit their support to help the Young Ambassadors of The Brain Tumour Charity.
Emma, who works at sustainability consultancy Energise, said, “Teaming up with my fellow Young Ambassadors and visiting Parliament was a really powerful day. It was an incredibly important opportunity for us to share our stories, challenges and explain how urgently we – and everyone affected by brain tumours – need support from MPs to make real change.
“I’m pleased to say we came away feeling that the day was promising, and I’m very grateful to Jess and Tom for taking the time to meet us and listen to our experiences.”
In June, Emma and Matt – who will get married in September – will take on the Dragon Ride in Wales to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. She has also been invited to speak on The Gliobabes podcast, which explores the impact of cancer on young people.
You can follow Emma’s advocacy work on social media via @yambrainybunch.
Pictured: Emma in the pink jacket at the Houses of Parliament
