A brain tumour widower has welcomed a new report demanding urgent action to help those affected by the devastating disease.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPBGT) has called for wide-ranging changes to be made in how research into the disease is funded.

In 2018 the government promised a £40m investment in brain tumour research, with £15m handed over to researchers since.

Norwich Evening News: MP Derek Thomas speaking at the launch of the Inquiry Report on February 28, 2023 - Picture: Brain Tumour ResearchMP Derek Thomas speaking at the launch of the Inquiry Report on February 28, 2023 - Picture: Brain Tumour Research

Brain tumours kill more people under 40 than any other cancer yet just 1pc of national spending on cancer research has been allocated to the disease.

The report was published on February 28 ahead of Brain Tumour Awareness Month and highlighted a so-called "valley of death" in which potential new treatments fail to reach patients because of complexities in the way research is funded.

Dave Todd has welcomed the report, having lost his wife Judith more than four years after she had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma.

Norwich Evening News: Dave Todd with his wife Judith, who died in December 2020 aged 61 more than four years after her glioblastoma diagnosis - Picture: Brain Tumour ResearchDave Todd with his wife Judith, who died in December 2020 aged 61 more than four years after her glioblastoma diagnosis - Picture: Brain Tumour Research (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

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The mum-of-three, who was a retired maths teacher who taught at Norwich School for Girls for 15 years, had suffered persistent headaches leading up to her brain tumour diagnosis and underwent three operations, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Thge former Framingham Earl parish councillor suffered a stroke during her last surgery and passed away in December 2020, aged 61.

Norwich Evening News: All smiles: Judith Todd's selfless approach won over hearts and maintained many long-lasting friendships - Picture: Supplied by familyAll smiles: Judith Todd's selfless approach won over hearts and maintained many long-lasting friendships - Picture: Supplied by family (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Dave, a former director at Aviva, said: "It is wonderful to see the progress that has been made in the treatment of many cancers.

"Unfortunately, it seems that government promises for the funding of research into the causes and treatment of brain tumours have not been honoured. 

"Those who have lost loved ones will never be able to bring them back but it will be of some comfort to them to know that a fairer funding system may prevent others from suffering."

The full report can be read on the Brain Tumour Research website.