Families who have lost loved ones to brain tumours will join MSPs at Holyrood to call for greater investment and awareness into the disease.
The Wear A Hat Day event, held during Brain Tumour Awareness Month in collaboration with the charity Brain Tumour Research, will provide MSPs with the opportunity to hear firsthand from those affected by the devastating disease. Among them, Don and Rachel McKie, whose son Graham died from an incurable glioblastoma 18 years ago, and Jill Rennie, whose husband David passed away from the same aggressive disease in November 2023.
Beatrice Wishart MSP, host of the event, said:
“It is a privilege to once again host Wear A Hat Day in the Scottish Parliament, highlighting to my MSP colleagues the challenges faced by people living with brain tumours and those who have lost loved ones to this deadly disease. I have taken a proactive role in raising awareness of brain tumours since my daughter was diagnosed many years ago.
“We need a better understanding from the Scottish Government of the need for funding for more research and clinical trials, as well as progress on early diagnosis. This will ultimately improve outcomes for those living with brain tumours.”
More than 1,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, and around 400 people die from high-grade brain tumours annually. The disease is the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to brain tumours.
Having lost her husband just over a year ago to the disease, Jill Rennie is urging MSPs to act now.
“The Scottish Government’s role is crucial, particularly now that we have our new research centre in Edinburgh,” Jill said.
“MSPs have a real opportunity to understand the challenges patients face and to push for more funding – not just for research, but also to improve the patient experience.
“Time is of the essence when someone is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Urgent treatment, care, and support are paramount, but these cannot happen without better funded research and awareness. I hope the Scottish Government will work with the Westminster Government to push for more investment in research and treatment, bringing us closer to a cure.”
For Don and Rachel McKie, the event marks another step in their 18-year mission to raise awareness following the loss of their son, Graham, who died at just 32 years old. Since then, Clan McKie has raised over £50,000 for the brain tumour cause in his memory.
“We are looking forward to this incredible opportunity to visit Holyrood and speak with MSPs about this cruel disease, which still has no cure. We need both Holyrood and Westminster to step up, increase funding, and keep this issue in the public eye. Too many lives are still being lost.”
The opening of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and the Beatson Cancer Charity, earlier this year marks a significant step forward in tackling glioblastomas, of which both families lost their loved ones.
Led by Professor Anthony Chalmers in Glasgow and Professor Steve Pollard in Edinburgh, the centre is dedicated to providing vital research and hope for the future to thousands impacted by brain tumours.
Beatrice praised the centre’s potential, saying:
“It was a great experience to attend the opening of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in Edinburgh a few weeks ago. It will be a focal point for research in glioblastomas and brings hope for the future.”
Don and Rachel echoed this sentiment:
“The new Centre of Excellence represents a brighter future for those diagnosed with a brain tumour, offering more support for families on this heartbreaking journey. With world-class researchers now leading the way in Scotland, we feel we’ve reached a turning point – one that brings real hope that a cure will be found.”
Thomas Brayford, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Brain Tumour Research, adds:
“We are incredibly grateful to the families, campaigners, and MSPs who continue to fight for this cause. Their voices are making a difference, and with their support, we can move closer to a cure.
“Wear a Hat Day is more than just an event – it’s a movement. A movement to ensure that brain tumours receive the attention, investment, and vital research they so desperately need.
“The Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence is a major milestone, but we cannot stop here. We need everyone to demand more funding and better research with the aim to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, survival for all brain tumour patients.”
Landmarks Across Dumfries and Galloway Light Up for Brain Tumour Awareness
To mark Brain Tumour Awareness Month, several landmarks across Dumfries and Galloway will be illuminated in purple to show solidarity with those affected by the disease. These include:
- Council Headquarters, English Street, Dumfries
- The Venue, Dumfries
- The Johnston, Kirkcudbright
- MacLellan’s Castle, Kirkcudbright
- Gatehouse Clock Tower, Gatehouse of Fleet
These illuminations are part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and encourage crucial conversations about brain tumours. With over 40 buildings across Scotland participating, the campaign aims to highlight the urgent need for greater research funding and support for those impacted.
To learn more about Brain Tumour Awareness Month, visit: https://braintumourresearch.org/pages/brain-tumour-awareness-month
