Local MP champions 8-year-old's brain tumour fight in Parliament

Alistair Strathern, Labour MP for Hitchin, shared the inspiring story of his constituent Hayley, and her granddaughter, Lily, in Parliament, calling for brain tumours to be considered alongside the Government’s National Cancer Plan.

Lily was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just one years old. Since then, her grandmother, Hayley, stepped away from her job to dedicate her time to caring for Lily and raising awareness of brain tumours.

Brain tumours are different from many other cancers, as they are not easily staged or routinely screened, which makes early detection and treatment more difficult. Together, Alistair and Hayley have been working alongside the Brain Tumour Charity to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by patients with brain tumours.

Commenting, Alistair Strathern MP said:“It’s impossible not to be inspired by Hayley, and her granddaughter Lily’s bravery.

“Brain tumours don’t fit the standard models of cancer diagnosis and treatment, meaning they are at risk of being overlooked in the National Cancer Plan.

“I was proud to raise Hayley and Lily’s story in Parliament as a powerful reminder of why we cannot let that happen.”

Commenting, Lily’s grandmother and Brain Tumour Charity Trustee, Hayley Conroy said:

“My family have seen firsthand the devastating effect that brain tumours can have on a young child, ever since my granddaughter Lily was diagnosed seven years ago at the age of one.

“She’s had years of harsh chemo, multiple operations and hospital visits and it really takes a toll on the whole family.

“Brain tumours aren’t like other cancers, they’re not preventable, they’re not staged, can’t be screened for and even low-grade gliomas like Lily’s can have life limiting and lifelong consequences - even though they’re not classed as ‘cancer’. So, brain tumours have to be separately considered as part of the National Cancer Plan. They cannot be overlooked.”