The daughter of a well-known Derry woman who died from a brain tumour has addressed a select group of scientists and MPs in the British House of Commons to highlight the discrepancies in cancer research funding.
Eimear McEleney (25), from Larkhill in the Steelstown area of the city, was among a select group of campaigners, patients and carers brought together by Brain Tumour Research who presented MPs with a set of stark facts as the charity encouraged a discussion on how government could improve outcomes for the 16,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour each year.
Her mother, Siobhan (pictured above), deputy editor of the Derry Journal newspaper, died from a brain tumour nine years ago.
Speaking at the event, Eimear said: “My mum was 47-years-old and died just 10 months after diagnosis, leaving four daughters without their mother. She had migraines her whole life, but only ended up having a scan in hospital when she found herself unable to walk in a straight line and had become very disorientated.”
Eimear, who raised £2,200 for Brain Tumour Research by running the 2012 Waterside half marathon in memory of her mother, added: “Brain tumours are devastating. They kill so many people and we are not going to find a cure without greater funding for research.
"My mum was the second of three people I am aware of to die of a brain tumour in our street.
Foyle SDLP Mark Durkan was among those who listened attentively to representations from scientists and campaigners last night.
Eimear added: “I sincerely hope that this event results in a clear message of hope for the future so that ultimately families no longer have to go through what we have and I am delighted that Mark Durkham was one of the MPs involved."
Foyle SDLP Mark Durkan was among those who listened attentively to representations from scientists and campaigners last night.
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