Burnham invites Archie Goodburn after cancer plea

'This has to change'

Speaking to BBC Breakfast through tears, Goodburn had implored the government to “give us a chance to fight for our lives”.

Goodburn was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumours just over two years ago and has since become a passionate advocate, part of the fight to understand cancer risk.

Speaking during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he said one of his dreams was “a future where brain cancer isn’t the biggest killer of patients under 40”.

Replying to a video of the appeal on TikTok, the prime minister said he wanted to hear from the swimmer directly.

“Archie, thank you for this. I know how hard it must have been. What you’re doing for other people while you’re going through all this yourself shows the best of us. I’d really like to meet you,” Burnham wrote.

Goodburn has asked Downing Street to help ease the “unbearable” suffering of brain cancer patients and their families. A date for the meeting has yet to be confirmed.