Norfolk model and businesswoman Kerri Parker was among charity workers, scientists, family members and patients to celebrate the opening of a new research centre to combat brain tumours.

The 30-year-old, who runs one of the UK's biggest model training schools, suffered a tumour herself last year and has campaigned to urge the government to allocate more money to find a cure for the condition.

She and her mother travelled to London for the official opening of the new centre of excellence, a partnership between Brain Tumour Research and Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with the UCL Institute of Neurology.

Miss Parker, whose tumour was removed eight months ago, said: 'After my diagnosis I felt I'd been dealt two blows. Having a brain tumour and a disease about which so little is known.

'Today is a hopeful day for me, a positive step forward which means others may not have to face the devastation my family and I did.'

Actor Ian Reddington, who raises awareness as a patron of Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Many people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour are not as lucky as Kerri but this centre will bring new hope for 16,000 people diagnosed each year.

'This disease is the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. This is a shocking statistic, as is the fact that research in this area is woefully under-funded receiving just 1% of the national spend on cancer research.'

The launch was hosted by the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, who is a Patron of Brain Tumour Research and a speaker of the House of Commons. He said: 'The prognosis is now brighter for patients and families affected by this terrible disease.'

Miss Parker is a former Dereham Neatherd High School and City College Norwich student.

• Are you raising money so that charities can combat illness? Email reporter Polly Grice at polly.grice@archant.co.uk.