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Motion · S6M-07890 · 9 Feb 2023

Wear A Hat Day 2023

Lodged by Emma Harper Members' Business Motion 29 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the importance of Wear A Hat Day, taking place on 31 March 2023, in raising awareness of brain tumours; understands that brain tumours are the biggest killer of children and adults under 40 with cancer in Scotland, reducing life expectancy by 20 years on average; believes that this is the highest life expectancy reduction of any cancer, but that the treatment and understanding of brain tumours are 20 years behind those relating to more common cancers; notes that brain tumours often cause side effects that have a severe impact on a person's quality of life; understands that there are over 130 different types of brain tumour, and that some symptoms of brain tumours can mimic other equally serious conditions, which often renders early diagnosis and treatment more difficult in many cases; further understands that brain tumour charities, such as the Brain Tumour Charity, are working hard to fund pioneering research, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, and provide support to people affected by brain tumours; commends the success of national campaigns, which it considers have contributed to a reduction in the average diagnosis time for childhood brain tumours, from 9.1 to 6.5 weeks, since 2011; believes that national campaigns are a basis on which to develop further awareness; notes the significant efforts of Dumfries and Galloway Medical Physics Technician, Alan Johnstone, in both raising awareness of brain tumours and funding for research and development into the causes of brain tumours, their treatment and, ultimately, a cure; understands that Alan’s late wife, Anneka Johnstone, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour and sadly died in 2019, despite being a very fit and active 33-year-old, and further understands that, despite losing Anneka, Alan has raised more than £55,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity by walking the 214-mile Southern Upland Way, videos of which were posted to Alan’s TikTok account, which has attracted a huge following.

Supporters (29)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.