The widow of the late politician, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, is taking on a new fundraising challenge to mark the two-year anniversary of his death.
Cathy Brokenshire will walk 13 miles from Seaford to Eastbourne on Thursday 26th October. She aims to raise funds and awareness for lung cancer in memory of her late husband.
About James
James died of lung cancer in October 2021. He was just 53 and a lifelong non-smoker. His diagnosis shocked family, friends, and colleagues.
He was first diagnosed in 2018 after coughing up blood. His initial prognosis was good, and he had surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Sadly, the cancer returned, and he passed away on 7th October 2021.
Since his death, Cathy has become a trustee and ambassador for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the UK’s only charity supporting everyone affected by lung cancer. James’s tribute page has raised over £160,000 in two years. Cathy is determined to keep the momentum going and honour his legacy.
She said: “This year, we have taken the biggest step forward in improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The announcement of national screening, along with its gradual rollout, will help more people get diagnosed earlier, when curative treatment is possible.”
Our fear, however, is that there is now a presumption that lung cancer is fixed. Sadly, this is far from the case.
The importance of screening
“Screening is important, but it will only catch around 26% of people who will develop lung cancer in their lifetime. Currently, screening is limited to people with a smoking history. James, a strong advocate for targeted screening, would not have qualified. We need more ways to diagnose and treat everyone as early as possible. Achieving this requires a long-term commitment to research.”
Lung cancer has long been underfunded, despite being the leading cause of cancer deaths. Over the last 10 years, it received just 13% of cancer research funding, compared to 23% for breast cancer.
Earlier this year, Cathy announced the launch of the James Brokenshire Clinical Research Fellowship. Operated by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the programme funds the next generation of lung cancer researchers. Its aim is to improve outcomes for people at risk and for those living with the disease.
“Look at the significant improvement in long-term breast cancer survival rates,” continues Cathy. “It’s clear that sustained levels in research funding is key to changing outcomes.
I just want to play my part in giving people with lung cancer the same opportunity to live through the disease rather than die of it. James didn’t have that opportunity, but I know he would want others to. This is what drives me on.”
The walk takes place just before lung cancer awareness month, a key date in Cathy’s and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s diary.
Be Unforgettable
This year, the UK’s leading lung cancer charity will launch its Be Unforgettable campaign. The campaign challenges disease misconceptions and encourages self-advocacy to speed up diagnosis, especially for people who don’t fit the so-called lung cancer profile.
“Lung cancer was never something we thought would affect our family,” says Cathy. “James was diagnosed and treated quickly, but many people, especially non-smokers and younger patients, don’t get that same speed of care.
“This awareness campaign is so important. It challenges outdated and dangerous misconceptions that are taking our loved ones far too soon.”
The Be Unforgettable campaign launches on Wednesday 1st November. You can also make a donation via the tribute page: https://jamesbrokenshire.muchloved.com/