The parents of Arlo Lambie, a teenager from the Isle of Wight who died earlier this month from a rare and aggressive brain tumour, have begun to advocate for improved NHS access to cutting-edge treatments.
Their concerns were raised in Parliament this week by Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, during a debate on Health and Social Care.
Parliamentary tribute to Arlo
Mr Quigley said,
“I pay tribute to my 17-year-old constituent, Arlo Lambie, who tragically died on 13 April following the diagnosis of a grade 4 brain tumour. I knew Arlo—he was a fun and bright lad who will be sadly missed.”
He then relayed the wishes of Arlo’s parents, Ellie and Alex, who expressed gratitude for the care Arlo received at St Mary’s Hospital on the Island, but who are also pushing for national change.
Mr Quigley asked,
“While Arlo’s parents, Ellie and Alex, wish to put on record their thanks for the ‘incredible and compassionate care’ Arlo received at St Mary’s hospital on the Isle of Wight, they want to know what steps the Secretary of State is taking to improve NHS access to breakthrough treatments to ensure that the commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies do not take precedence, so that children with brain cancer, like Arlo, are given the best possible chance to survive for longer.”
Government response and future debate
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, responded with condolences and pointed to ongoing efforts by the Government.
She said,
“I add my heartfelt condolences to Arlo’s family. In September, we launched a new series of funding opportunities designed to improve brain cancer research for both adults and children.”
Ms Dalton added that the Government remains committed to supporting brain tumour research, stating that the aim is to ensure investment has “the most meaningful and impactful” results.
She also confirmed her attendance at the all-party parliamentary group on brain tumours next week, and mentioned a scheduled debate on brain tumours this Thursday.
Ongoing legacy
The efforts of Arlo’s parents, through their MP, have helped ensure that questions about access to life-extending treatments for children with brain cancer are not overlooked.
Their advocacy adds to growing calls for the NHS to balance innovation, cost and timely access to emerging therapies—particularly for conditions with limited treatment options.
