A man living with an incurable brain tumour who wrote to his MP has seen a question about the disease raised in parliament.

Richard Wellington, from Lydney, learned he had a glioblastoma – the most common high grade brain tumour in adults - six years ago, following a sudden seizure.

Richard, who underwent surgery to remove the tumour, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is relieved that his condition is currently stable, but he is aware that the average life expectancy following diagnosis is 12 to 18 months.

In November last year, Richard, 41, took part in a campaign organised by The Brain Tumour Charity, inviting supporters to contact their MP to highlight the challenges for families affected by brain tumours, such as speeding up diagnosis times, improving treatment options, and making sure the right support is available after treatment.

In his heartfelt letter to Matt Bishop, Labour MP for Forest of Dean, the dad of two wrote: “I was given the unfortunate news that I have a glioblastoma 6 years ago … my time is short and I know my life expectancy is now even shorter. I’m a father of two young children and also a husband to a wonderful wife which unfortunately I will have to leave at some point.

“I ask only one thing - can you please bring this matter to the attention of the House of Parliament. I know deep down it will make no difference to mine or my family’s outcome but I so dearly wish that it will spare another family’s anguish from this awful disease.”

After reading Richard’s letter, his MP agreed to highlight brain tumours in parliament. During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on May 7, Mr Bishop asked the following question: “Mr Speaker, in 2018, my constituent Richard Wellington was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and given 12 months to live. Against the odds, he is still with us today. He knows his time is limited, but is determined to leave a legacy by improving brain cancer treatment for others. His courage is inspiring and shows extraordinary resilience.

“But Mr Speaker, patients with brain tumours fell through the cracks in our healthcare system under the Conservatives and this must end. Will the Prime Minister set out how Labour will speed up cancer diagnosis and improve treatment times for brain tumour patients such as Richard - as we go further with our Plan for Change?”

Explaining he was moved by Richard’s story, Matt Bishop MP said: “Brain tumours are an incredibly devastating form of cancer, affecting thousands of families each year. The impact they have is profound, and it’s clear that change is needed to address this health challenge.

“I was moved by the courage of my constituent, Richard Wellington, who has shared his heartbreaking personal journey with me. Despite the challenges he has faced, Richard has become a powerful advocate for others, raising awareness and support in ways that few could. His advocacy for change—so that others might avoid the pain he has endured—speaks to his incredible selflessness.

“Today, in Parliament, I brought Richard’s story directly to the Prime Minister. In response to my question, the Prime Minister confirmed that Labour’s Plan for Change will invest in vital areas such as advanced scanners, surgical hubs, and Cancer 360 technology—key steps in improving the lives of those impacted by this devastating disease.

“As Richard’s MP, I will stand by him and his young family, who are also showing incredible resilience throughout this difficult time. I am committed to turning his advocacy into meaningful, lasting change and working towards a future where no family in the UK has to face the heartbreak of brain cancer.”

Cameron Miller, Director for Strategy and External Affairs at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We want to thank Richard and Matt Bishop MP for raising awareness of the unmet need of brain tumours and choosing to highlight this directly to the Prime Minister.

“Our ‘write to MP action’ empowers people to highlight their story with their local MPs and clearly Richard’s story resonated as he spoke passionately and bravely about his experience.

“Richard’s incredible story combined with his passion for raising awareness and seeking change is truly inspiring. We know that the community we represent wants to see change to combat the many challenges too many face.”

Richard, who was invited to the House of Commons to see the question asked, but was unable to make the trip at short notice, said: “It means a lot to me to have the issues faced by brain tumour patients spoken about in parliament.

“The reason I wrote to my MP is I don’t want to die in vain. If I can help just one family that would be amazing but I want to help more. I personally feel there is not much knowledge out there about brain tumours and there should be.

“Despite, or maybe because of everything I’m going through, I’m a firm believer in hope. I want to fight as hard as I can to bring all type of brain tumours into the limelight.”

The Brain Tumour Charity funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options as well as raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms and effects to bring about faster, better diagnosis.

The charity also offers comprehensive support and information to anyone affected by the disease, as well as their loved ones.

More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year. But it is not one disease. There are more than 120 different types of brain tumour already known to to doctors, and with different areas of the brain controlling different functions, outcomes can be very different from person to person, both in the short and long term.

To find out more, visit: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/ or contact the support and information team on 0808 800 0004 or email [email protected]