A mum whose daughter is battling a brain tumour is calling for central government to increase funding for research.

Angela Reid’s daughter Charlotte, 16, was diagnosed with rare craniopharyngioma in July 2015. Her brain tumour is benign, but has affected her growth and short-term memory among other things.

Angela has supported an online petition launched by Jessica Campling calling for the changes, which has currently gathered more than 6,400 signatures. If it reaches 10,000 names, the Government will have to respond to the request.

Angela, of High Street, Sidford, said doctors do not always know how to treat tumours, as there is not enough funding for research. She added: “When you find out someone you love has a serious illness, such as cancer, your world tumbles. But, you have no choice but to pick yourself up and find out what will happen next.

“Now imagine the doctor saying, ‘you have a brain tumour which we don’t really know how to treat - we will try this, it might work, but we don’t really know enough about it and it may leave you with serious side effects and possibly disabilities you may not recover from - it’s the best we can do as there hasn’t been enough funding for research’.

“By signing this petition we can change this. It costs nothing but two minutes of your time. It’s mega-important that the situation of underfunding brain tumour research is addressed. It kills more under 40-year-olds than any other illness, even beating leukaemia. However, it only gets half a per cent of government money that is put aside for cancer research.

“Every cancer research needs more money, but, really, 0.5 per cent for brain tumours, do you think that sounds fair?”

Former Sidmouth College pupil Charlotte, who now carries out her studies at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, has been raising awareness of her condition on her Facebook page, CharlottesArmy, and is currently trying to raise £20,000 for brain tumour research.

Angela, who works in the Devon and Cornwall Police control room, said: “Charlotte has done some fundraising for brain tumour research, so we were aware that it was underfunded.

“It’s quite a surprise when you first learn about it. The petition has grown very significantly in the last week. It was on about 2,000 signatures and is now just past 6,000 - it’s doing well. We would like it to break through the 10,000 barrier for the Government to respond to it. The more signatures the better. If we get 100,000 signatures, then it will be debated in Parliament.”

To sign the petition, visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/169667