‘We need you to act to lead to change’ – Ilford North MP’s column on Kaleigh’s Trust
Ilford North MP Wes Streeting with Kaleigh's bear, and Scott Lau. Mr Streeting has campaigned for more funding into DIPG. - Credit: Archant
Kaleigh is a six-year-old girl who lives in my constituency of Ilford North.
X Factor star Emily Middlemas with Kaleigh. Kaleigh loves singing and music. - Credit: Archant
She is a bright, energetic girl who has the same interests as her friends – namely dancing, swimming and being a princess.
Sadly, unlike her friends Kaleigh has been diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare type of brain tumour which mostly affects children.
Tragically, there is currently no cure for this type of tumour.
In the face of this devastating challenge, Kaleigh’s parents, Scott and Yang, have thrown themselves into a campaign to improve funding for research into brain tumours generally and specifically DIPG.
Melanie Onn MP with Kaleigh's bear from Wes Streeting in Parliament. - Credit: Archant
The Kaleigh bears have become symbols of this campaign, and one resides proudly in my office in Westminster where I have been encouraging other Members of Parliament to have photos and tweet their support to raise awareness.
A number of high profile celebrities have been touched by Kaleigh’s story and the determination of her family and have given their support.
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However, that support needs you to act if it will lead to change.
By either donating to Kaleigh’s Trust, or signing the Parliamentary Petition that the family have set up, you can help to support efforts to improve funding for research so that future generations can be given a chance to fight this deeply saddening illness.
