Swimmer with incurable brain cancer Archie Goodburn breaks down on BBC Breakfast as he issues emotional plea

He gave a heart-wrenching message to the prime minister

The 25-year-old Scottish swimmer has become a passionate advocate for increased focus and funding on brain cancer since he was diagnosed with the disease just over two years ago.

After appearing in his second Commonwealth Games this year in Glasgow, Goodburn used the occasion to shine a light on the issue of greater funding and treatment.

During the games, he said in an interview: "One of my dreams is that we see a future where brain cancer isn't the biggest killer of patients under 40.

Now, appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning (4 August), the swimmer made an emotional plea to Andy Burnham for greater focus on brain cancers.

Looking directly into the camera, Goodburn said: "Andy Burnham, if you believe and want to make a change and a difference to the future of our country and our young population, please listen to us.

"Please establish a national brain cancer lead and give us a chance to fight for our lives because the things that patients are going through out there are unbelievable and so unjust.

"There are clinical trials around the world, in the US, in Australia, in China, that could change lives. We are not seeing them in the UK and it is unfair and unjust.

"Please invest and make the difference. I'm on my knees begging for - not just my own life - but for those of my best friends and those that are affected and the families around the country.

"This has to change. It's been going for too long and the suffering is unbearable."

An incredibly brave message from an incredibly brave man.

For now, there has been no comment from the prime minister's office.