A LOCAL MP has backed a national campaign for a childhood cancer vaccine to help children.

A national campaign to help hundreds of children with rare childhood cancers has been launched today (Friday) with the backing of Kim Leadbeater, MP for Batley and Spen. 

The campaign is demanding a UK-led international vaccine trial that could transform the life chances of vulnerable children like six-year-old Beau from Roberttown.  

The charity Saving Kids Cancer is asking ministers to approve a clinical trial in this country so that parents, like Beau’s mum Shirley Hepworth, don’t have to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to take their children to New York for treatment.  

Shirley said: “Of course I want my daughter to have the best chance at life but this isn’t just about Beau. The campaign is about protecting future children.” 

Writing in the Daily Express, Kim said: Beau has stolen the hearts of thousands of people, not just here in Yorkshire but across the country.” 

The MP praised the fundraising efforts of the community in Batley and Spen, but added: “Everybody has been happy to help, but it shouldn’t be necessary. If we can succeed in getting a UK-led trial running, families like Beau’s can be spared the time and energy needed to fundraise on this scale.” 

Every year around 50 children a year are diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in the UK. Treatment involves highly invasive treatment and half of those diagnosed do not survive. Campaigners says a UK-led vaccine trial could boost research into other cancers and potentially save hundreds of lives.   

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