Mum calls for more research after daughter's death

The mother of a girl who died from an extremely rare brain tumour has launched a petition calling for more research into the condition.

Sarah Levett's daughter, Jody, died aged 16 in October 2022.

Ms Levett told BBC Radio Surrey: "The government only put a small amount of money into brain tumours despite them being a big killer. There's a lot of fundraising being done but not much change."

The BBC has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for a comment.

Ms Levett, from Godalming, described her daughter as a "bright and bubbly young lady, full of smiles despite what she was going through".

She first realised something was wrong in 2018 when Jody was unable to do up buttons or walk in a straight line. The youngster was then diagnosed by a doctor.

"The last few years have been really hard," she said. "I have been helped out by some friends and family, and without them I don't know where I would be.

She added that every day has "been a struggle".

Ms Levett said the petition also aims to help parents after they have lost a child, saying: "There is a lack of support. Someone has to change it somehow."

Hugh Adams, from Brain Tumour Research, said: "The thing that is certain if we are going to improve options and outcomes for brain tumour patients is more money for research.

"We need to invest in the basic science and then we can get momentum and people will get involved."

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