Rugby International and Newcastle Falcons star, Jonny Wilkinson, has launched a major new national study into childhood brain tumours at Newcastle University, attracting significant media attention.
Jonny was joined by Neil and Angela Dickson, local families affected by brain tumours, supporters of the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and members of the research team at an event at the University to celebrate the start of the study.
Jonny signed rugby balls for each of the children, and presented a cheque for £44,100 to Dr Steve Clifford, lead researcher on the new project.
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The event attracted considerable media interest. It was featured as the top story on the BBC and ITV regional news programmes. (To watch the news reports, please use the links below.)
The new study aims to improve understanding of a tumour called medulloblastoma, which is the most common malignant brain tumour in children, and lead to more suitable and appropriate treatment for sufferers.
The study will trial a new UK-wide system for testing tumour samples and investigating a range of biological characteristics on a routine basis. It will build on earlier breakthroughs at the University, which have pinpointed characteristics of the tumour that could help to determine the severity of an individual child’s cancer.
To view the coverage on BBC Look North and ITV North East Today use the following links: