Thank you so much for your incredible support writing to your prospective MPs ahead of the election. With the new Labour government there, of course, comes a new Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting. This petition is now addressed to him. I have high hopes and expectations for our new government. The Labour manifesto promised to make important changes for Britain’s health system, stating, “We will deliver a renewed drive to tackle the biggest killers; cutting the lives lost to cancer…”, “Too many cancer deaths could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis”, “GPs are the front door to the health service for most people. Excellent primary care is the key to earlier diagnosis”.
Of the 650 MPs recently elected, over half (335) have never been an MP before. It would be wonderful if every single one of them, old and new, heard about Jess and our drive to improve earlier diagnosis of cancer through Jess’s Law. Once again, I turn to you for your support. Below is a new template for you to use. There are some sections in brackets which you may wish to include if you wrote to your MP prior to the election. As you are aware you can find your MP using this link. https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
Copying and pasting this message will take just a few moments of your time, but it could have a lasting, life changing impact. Thank you so much.
“Dear (place name of your MP here).
(You may recall I wrote to you ahead of the election to share information about the campaign for Jess’s Law). I would like to congratulate you upon your appointment as the Member of Parliament for my constituency. As someone who is deeply committed to improving earlier cancer diagnosis, I have high hopes for your support with the change.org. campaign, “Jess’s Law - improve the awareness and diagnosis of cancer in young adults” https://chng.it/VVWR9dQwQw
(You may recall) Following the late cancer diagnosis of their 27-year-old daughter, Jessica, the Bradys have been campaigning for Jess’s Law. The proposal for Jess’s Law is simple: if, after three consultations, a patient’s condition remains unresolved, the symptoms are escalating, or they have no substantiated diagnosis, the patient’s case should be elevated for review and a new assessment made. To date the petition has received over 320,000 signatures.
I would be most grateful if you would write to the new Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, requesting he meet with Andrea and Simon Brady to discuss next steps for creating legislation for Jess’s law.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
(Insert your name)"
Today’s photo was taken of Jess the summer before she was two. One of the many heart-breaking truths about losing Jess is not having new memories or photos. I can’t help but wonder, as Jess would have been 31 years old this October, if perhaps she may have had a baby of her own by now (she certainly hoped she would have). Jess was a gorgeous child, a delightful adult and would undoubtedly have been a wonderful Mum. Let’s keep fighting for her and for all the people you love the most in the world. Thank you so much. You are making a difference.