After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour at 18, Laura Nuttall made sure she filled her remaining time with as many experiences as possible. These ranged from ticking off an impressive bucket list of memories to tirelessly campaigning and fundraising as one of our Young Ambassadors. She did this all with the support and love of her mum Nicola, dad Mark and sister Gracie right by her side, who have as a family have touched the hearts and minds of many.
Sadly, Laura passed away on the 22nd of May, more than four years after her diagnosis. But, she’s still driving our campaigning forward. In fact, today she inspired an Early Day Motion (EDM) to be put forward by Siobhain McDonagh MP.
In this post, we’ll discuss:
- What is an EDM?
- The Laura Nuttall EDM
- How you can support the Laura Nuttall EDM
- Laura Nuttall – an incredible force of nature
What is an Early Day Motion (EDM)?
EDM stands for Early Day Motion. EDMs are House of Commons motions that are submitted for debate, but for which no particular date has been set.
These motions are often used to bring attention to a campaign or particular event. But, they’re not limited to this. In fact, EDMs can cover a wide range of topics.
EDMs aim to get the signatures of MPs. By doing this, they can show how much support parliament might have for a topic.
The Laura Nuttall EDM
The Early Day Motion in Laura Nuttall’s name reads:
“That this house recognises the life of Laura Nuttall; commends her positivity and hope she showed since her diagnosis with a glioblastoma in 2018; acknowledges that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the unmet need for brain tumours and accelerate the development of new treatment options and increase the amount of research funding dedicated to this disease.”
This is a tribute to the way that Laura approached life – determined and full of positivity. But, it’s also a way of continuing the work on awareness that she was doing, even after her death.
At The Brain Tumour Charity, we know that a cure can’t wait. And, we will keep campaigning for faster diagnosis times and better treatments until we find that cure.
Laura hoped for a future where brain tumours are treatable and no one else has to die because of them. And, this EDM put forward by Siobhain McDonagh MP is one way of remembering her and showing commitment to that future.
Laura would be so proud to see her name on this early day motion, she was a passionate campaigner for better, kinder treatments for glioblastoma and the only time she was really sad was when we lost someone to this cruel disease. This is a wonderful tribute to Laura and if this EDM can help improve treatments in some way in the future, that would be the legacy she would wish for.
Nicola Nuttall
How you can support the Laura Nuttall EDM
If you would like to contact your MP to sign the EDM, then you can find out who this is and how to contact them via the They Work For You website.
We have a template for writing to your MP at the end of this post, which you can use if you’re not sure how to approach your letter.
Please note that not all MPs, for example Government Ministers and Whips, are able to sign the EDM.
Laura Nuttall – an incredible force of nature
After her passing, Laura Nuttall’s mum shared the sad news on Twitter. And, in that post, she called Laura a force of nature. We couldn’t agree more.
Being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour at age 18 didn’t stop Laura.
She decided to stay positive and fill her life with as many experiences as possible.
In doing so, Laura achieved more in four-and-a-half years than most people do in a lifetime. She graduated from university and ticked off some amazing things from her ongoing bucket list – from meeting Michelle Obama and presenting weather on the BBC to commanding a Royal Navy warship.
But, alongside this, Laura did an incredible and invaluable job as a Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity.
She raised vital funds for research and handed out a large number of symptoms cards as part of our Headsmart campaign. She also supported us at numerous events and spoke out about brain tumours on TV, radio, and in print.
For all this amazing work, Laura accepted the Award for Special Recognition at our Celebrating You Awards earlier this year.
For a glimpse into her inspiring outlook on life, take a look at her Celebrating You acceptance video below:
Template for writing to your MP about the Laura Nuttall EDM
Type your postcode in here to find your MP: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
Subject: Please sign EDM 1233 in memory of Laura Nuttall
Dear XXX MP,
My name is XXXX and I am one of your constituents (insert address). As my MP I am writing to ask if you would be able to sign EDM 1233 in memory of Laura Nuttall, an inspiring individual who unfortunately recently passed away with a glioblastoma. The text of the EDM reads as follows:
That this house recognises the life of Laura Nuttall; commends her positivity and hope she showed since her diagnosis with a glioblastoma in 2018; acknowledges that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the unmet need for brain tumours and accelerate the development of new treatment options and increase the amount of research funding dedicated to this disease.
Laura Nuttall was a fierce campaigner for improving treatment, care and research into brain tumours which are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s. After being given just 12-18 months to live at age 18, Laura and her family dedicated the next four and a half years into raising awareness of the lack of new treatments available for patients and highlighted what life is really like for patients.
(If you wish to add something about your own experience please feel free to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with)
Siobhain McDonagh MP has tabled the EDM to recognise and celebrate both Laura’s life but also the need to ensure the unmet need for this disease is recognised and invested in. I do hope you can put your name to the EDM to demonstrate the strength of feeling across the House.
I would appreciate if you were able to let me know whether you’re able to sign this EDM by replying to this email.
Many thanks
XXXXX
(insert address)