2017
Dame Tessa Jowell, the widely-respected cabinet minister under the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, announces her diagnosis with glioblastoma. She launches a campaign for better brain cancer treatment and equity of care.
2018
The Government brings together charities, clinicians and researchers to found the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, a collaborative, UK-wide initiative to improve treatment, care and research.
2019
The Mission lays the groundwork for a Centres of Excellence programme.
2020
Standards for excellence in brain tumour treatment, care and research are piloted. The Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence programme is launched.
2021
The first eleven Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence are designated. Remaining centres are provided with dedicated support to improve their services. Minderoo Precision Brain Tumour Programme is launched.
2022
The Mission, now an independent registered non-profit, launches the Tessa Jowell Academy – a free training and networking platform. Eight new Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence are designated, including six which re-applied having improved services.
2023
Launch of the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator, which supports pathways to new treatments. The Centres of Excellence for Children programme is also launched, mirroring the programme for adults. “Does it Matter Where You are Treated?” – a landmark report, is published. Summit to mark five-year anniversary.
2024
Six Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence for Children are designated. The Mission co-hosts a ministerial launch of the Brain Tumour Consortium with the National Institute for Health and Care. Landmark report “Closing the Gap” published – looking at barriers and opportunities in genomic testing.
2025
Fourteen adult Centres of Excellence are re-accredited and four new Centres of Excellence for Children are announced. 26 centres report improvements to care supported by the Mission team. Academy reaches 1500 members, BTR-NTA reaches 19 therapies accelerated. Academy for Paediatrics and allied health professional fellowships also launched.
