Holyrood reception to raise awareness of childhood cancer
Neuroblastoma UK attended Holyrood on Tuesday 26 September, calling on MSPs to ensure childhood cancer is recognised as a critical research priority in Scotland.
Rona MacKay MSP hosted a reception at Holyrood
The reception, hosted by Rona Mackay MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, was held in memory of two-year-old Matthew Innes to raise awareness of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Matthew, from Argyll and Bute was diagnosed with stage four, high-risk neuroblastoma in March 2021. Despite 18 months of treatment and achieving remission in August 2022, Matthew relapsed and sadly passed away in November 2022.
making change happen
“By hearing your stories, my fellow ministers and I can learn more about the impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis on a family and their whole community”
Jenni Minto MSP meeting with Gayle and Emily from Solving Kids Cancer
Guests including Matthew’s family and other Scottish families, MSPs, clinicians and researchers, were welcomed by Ms Mackay, who pledged her support to help drive positive change for children with cancer.
Ms Mackay was joined by Matthew’s constituency MSP, Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, who said, “You are all here to help us try and make change happen. By hearing your stories, my fellow ministers and I can learn more about the impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis on a family and their whole community.”
In memory of Matthew
“Matthew could light up any room he was in. His smile was full of nonsense and mischief. He is the bravest person I know and fought so hard! He will forever be our shining star.””
The reception was held in memory of Matthew
Stuart Carmichael and Sarah Keating, friends of Matthew’s family and firefighters at Appin Firestation shared words from Matthew’s mum, Carolyn Brown about her experience of neuroblastoma and losing their young son.
Carolyn said, “Matthew could light up any room he was in. His smile was full of nonsense and mischief. He is the bravest person I know and fought so hard! He will forever be our shining star.”
Dr Dermot Murphy, paediatric oncologist at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow called on MSPs to ensure childhood cancer remains a priority for the Scottish government saying, “We have a lot to be proud of in Scotland. We are the first of the four devolved nations - and the only nation - to have a Childhood Cancer Strategy but we must work together to make sure this strategy delivers.”
young neuroblastoma survivos shares story
“ I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the wonderful care of the NHS and the incredible research carried out by Neuroblastoma UK”
17 year old Phoebe shared her story
Phoebe Macaskill, aged 17 from Abriachan bravely shared her story saying, “I am a neuroblastoma survivor and my family would say, a miracle. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the wonderful care of the NHS and the incredible research carried out by Neuroblastoma UK into this awful disease which cruelly takes too many young lives.”
The event closed with Rona leading a Moment of Reflection to remember Matthew and children lost to neuroblastoma as part of the charity’s Glow Gold Reflection Day.
Sharing one aim: find a cure for neuroblastoma
From L-R: Dr Kate Wheeler, Sarah Keating, Professor Deb Tweddle, Carolyn Brown, Rona MacKay MSP, Callum Innes, Nicki Gillard, Stuart Carmichael
Dr Kate Wheeler, paediatric oncologist and Trustee at Neuroblastoma UK who spoke at the reception said, “We look forward to joining with MSPs to raise awareness of neuroblastoma, not just during September, but in the future. This room is filled with a diverse group of people who share one aim – to find a cure for neuroblastoma. Together we can fund more research and help save more young lives.”
Our sincere thanks to Rona Mackay MSP, our guests, speakers and to all of Matthew’s family and friends for joining us at this special reception.