Formby dad who lost his wife to a brain tumour calls on people to back a government petition

Julian Osborne is hoping for more research into the devastating illness after tragic death of Donna, 43

Donna Osborne

A Formby dad-of-three whose wife sadly passed of a brain tumour at Christmas is campaigning for more research into the devastating disease.

Julian Osborne lost his wife, Donna, 43, on December 19 three years ago.

She also left behind her three children, Tom, Jack and Charlotte after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2008.

Now, Mr Osborne is calling on people to sign a petition highlighting the lack of government investment and in the hope it will lead to a parliamentary debate.

He is campaigning with charity Brain Tumour Research.

Mr Osborne said: “Losing a loved one at Christmas or any time is devastating.

“Christmas will always be a stark reminder of what we have lost.

“Family was everything to Donna, whether it was looking after me and the kids, organising her brothers, checking her mum and dad were fine or helping out in the office at St Luke’s Primary School or at Formby Brownies or Guides.

“She was an angel and now she is an angel watching over us and forever in our hearts.”

The House of Commons’ new Petitions Committee is investigating the issue after the petition quickly gained momentum.

Tom, Jack, Julian and Charlotte Osborne

Scientists, clinicians, charities, patients and their families were invited to submit their experiences with brain tumours - and 1,106 people did so by the end of October. The petition remains open until February 3.

Mr Osborne said: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease.

“We have a real chance to bring about change here. If the petition reaches 100,000 names by February 3 it could lead to a House of Commons debate. This would be a great milestone and bring hope to the 16,000 people who, like me, are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year.”

The petition has received more than 37,000 signatures so far. You can sign it here.

Story and photo source: Southport Visiter by KATE SAMUELSON