Tom Gordon Calls for more support for young people with cancer

Last week, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, raised concerns in Parliament about the challenges young people with cancer face, following a conversation with constituent Harry Brown. 

Harry was just 17 when he was suddenly diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Thankfully, he is now in remission after enrolling in a groundbreaking clinical trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

When Tom met Harry in Parliament, Harry shared some of the challenges he faced as a young cancer patient. One of which was that Harry had to travel extremely long distances, sometimes from Newcastle to London for treatment. This is a huge burden for anyone, let alone a young person fighting cancer. 

Harry also highlighted the lack of education support available after his diagnosis. In North Yorkshire, council-funded home tuition ends at age 16, leaving him dependent on the generosity of his teachers to continue his studies. In other parts of the country, this support continues beyond 16, creating an unfair postcode lottery for young cancer patients trying to keep up with their education.

Following their discussion, Tom called on the Leader of the House to make time for a debate on improving support for young cancer patients. He emphasised that no young person should have to travel across the country for treatment or be denied an education due to their diagnosis. Clear processes must be in place to ensure they get the support they need. 

Aside from his meeting with Tom, Harry has been using his voice to campaign for improvements to care for young people with cancer so that no child has to go through what he experienced. He has been emphasising that young people with cancer have unique needs - requiring specific treatments and facing challenges that impact their mental health, education, employment, and finances during a critical stage of life. Harry argues that these needs must be properly recognised and addressed.

Commenting, Tom said: 

‘My conversation with Harry shed light on the many challenges young people with cancer face and the alarming lack of support available to them. 

‘It is unacceptable that young patients must travel hundreds of miles for treatment or miss out on an education because councils like North Yorkshire don’t offer home tuition beyond 16. 

‘I urge the House to make time for a debate on how we can improve support for young cancer patients – Harry’s story makes it clear that much more needs to be done.’ 

Harry Brown added: 

‘It was great to meet Tom and share my experiences of childhood cancer. Being diagnosed with a serious illness at such a pivotal age turns your life upside down. One moment I was on a school trip in Iceland living life to the fullest, the next I found myself in ICU seriously ill. 

‘If there is one thing taken from my experiences it is that children are so resilient and will defy the odds. I firmly believe that advocating for the most vulnerable in society is vital. I feel that I owe it to those who haven't made it to use my voice to campaign for improvements to care so no child has to go through the horrors of cancer treatment. I am pleased that I have Tom's support in this mission.’ 

ENDS