Good Morning Britain guest Archie Goodburn broke down in tears during Friday’s live broadcast as he opened up on his heartbreaking cancer diagnosis
Viewers rushed to share their support of Archie (Image: ITV)
A guest on Good Morning Britain was comforted by presenters Charlotte Hawkins and Adil Ray after he became emotional discussing his heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.
Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at the age of 22 after experiencing seizures and numbness in his body while training for the Paris Olympics.
He’s now campaigning for the approval of a medication that he claims has given him a new lease on life. He fought back tears as he called for quicker diagnoses, improved funding, and increased research into targeted treatments.
On Friday’s (December 5) episode of Good Morning Britain, he shared: “I’m doing ok, it’s all thanks to do with this new drug that is currently going through regulatory processes in the UK, but things aren’t looking too promising for it.”
Archie Goodburn was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 22(Image: ITV)
Archie continued: “Brain cancer is such a massive killer, it kills more men under the age of 70 than prostate cancer, more women under the age of 35 than breast cancer, more children than leukaemia, and the general public awareness for it is nowhere near that extent,” reports Wales Online.
The sportsman recounted how he first discovered his diagnosis after suffering from seizures during training, describing a sensation where “my whole consciousness is receding into the back of my head, this sense of nausea, a left side of numbness, and this absolutely undeniable feeling that something was really, really wrong”.
Initially misdiagnosed with epilepsy, Archie was later found to have an inoperable low-grade glioma. He’s now living with a 10x4cm tumour, plus two additional growths, including one situated behind his eye, which surgeons cannot remove.
Speaking candidly about his mounting anxiety, Archie reflected on the initial optimism he experienced when prescribed medication, but now feels that hope is “being taken away”.
Adil Ray comforted the tearful guest(Image: ITV)
He explained: “If people don’t get access to this drug, their lives are inevitably going to be shorter, their quality of life is going to massively decline and this sets a wider precedent for the brain cancer community and treatments like that.”
Becoming visibly emotional, Archie described the “phenomenal” difference the medication made to his life, saying: “Other treatments, I’d have to sacrifice my health, this allows me to live my life, fulfil my dreams and contribute to society. A drug like that is key to my future, and loving those around me.”
Adil rose from his seat to console him as Archie revealed he’d already lost friends his own age to similar tumours, passionately calling for action and urging viewers to support his petition, declaring: “It’s not good enough.”
Adil responded warmly: “You’re just so inspiring, you’re so strong, and the fact that you’re shedding a tear now tells me how much you’re holding inside, and you’re being so incredibly brave, and I hope your message is being heard.”
Archie broke down in tears as he urged for change(Image: ITV)
Viewers were quick to rally behind Archie, with one commenting: “Archie, what an amazing lad. He should get every single thing he needs. He’s been dealt a s**t hand and he’s doing everything he possibly can. What a fighter.”
Another viewer praised: “Well done @adilray if ever a young man needed a hug it was him. I hope his drug is available to him and others. I’ll sign the petition.”
“Arr poor lads getting upset stay strong,” chimed in a third, while another added: “Strong lad that..good luck to him.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.