MP Demands Urgent Childhood Cancer Mission After Tragic Loss
Campaigner’s Heartbreaking Story Drives Push for Action
Caroline has teamed up with constituent Charlotte Fairall from Stubbington to fight for a new Childhood Cancer Mission. Cancer is the biggest killer of children under 14, with many cases diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
Tragedy struck when Charlotte’s daughter Sophie lost her life to Rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2021, aged just 10. Driven by this heartbreaking loss, Caroline is determined to force the government into action.
MP Takes Fight Straight to Health Secretary
Earlier this year, Maria Caulfield met with Caroline and Charlotte to discuss the proposal. Today, Caroline used Health Questions in Parliament to demand updates and progress.
“The Minister will know that cancer is the biggest cause of death for children under 14, and there are countless incidences of failure and missed opportunity in how we detect, treat, and care for children with cancer,” Caroline told the Secretary of State for Health.
“I’m grateful to the Minister for meeting my constituent Charlotte Fairall, who tragically lost her daughter Sophie. Does she agree that a Childhood Cancer Mission must be central to any cancer strategy if we want to save other families from this heartbreak?”
Minister Pledges Update on Childhood Cancer Mission
Maria Caulfield responded:
“We had a debate led by Caroline on childhood cancers. It was a privilege to meet Charlotte, who’s campaigning hard on this. I promised we would look at a Childhood Cancer Mission and will soon update the House on our progress.”
Caroline Pledges to Keep Pressure on Government
After the session, Caroline said:
“Sophie’s story touched many in our community, and I promised her mum, Charlotte, that I would champion this vital cause in Parliament. The current outcomes for children with cancer are unacceptable.”
“I’ve requested to meet Secretary of State Steve Barclay MP to secure his support for our Childhood Cancer Mission.”
