Alfie Boe: Opera star calls for boost to brain tumour research

Celebrated tenor Alfie Boe has said he is “angry” there have been “so few advances” in the treatment of brain tumours, nearly three decades after his father died from the disease.

The musician, from Fleetwood, Lancashire, said it was “shameful” that charities have had to take on the “brunt of the research” and is calling on the government to provide more investment.

The award-winning musical theatre star was 23 when his father, Alfred, died in 1997.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.

Boe said: “It makes me angry that, in all this time, the situation for patients like dad hasn’t really changed.

“I feel incredibly sad to think that families are still facing this awful diagnosis and, nearly 30 years later, there have been so few advances in treatment.”

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer but just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this form of the disease, according to Brain Tumour Research.

“There is no doubt in my mind that research into brain tumours should be a priority and I am ashamed to think that charities are having to do so much in this area,” the tenor said, adding: “The government should be doing so much more.”

Describing his father as “fun and gentle”, the opera singer said he was “honoured” to be working with Brain Tumour Research to endeavour to help those diagnosed.

Reflecting on his father’s deterioration, he said: “At the time dad was diagnosed, I was in my second year at the Royal College of Music and would study in London during the week and then come home every weekend to be with him.

“Week after week I would see the decline, all the more stark to me as I was away for a few days and the changes were evident each time I was back.”

Ten months after his diagnosis, Alfred died in the arms of his son at the age of 63.

“It will always be a great regret that dad never got to hear any of my records, to come to one of my concerts or to see me in Les Misérables,” the 51-year-old said.

“When I do shows with Michael Ball, I see the joy on his face when his dad is in the audience and how wonderful it is for them to share that experience.

“I wouldn’t begrudge them that for a minute, but I wish my dad and I could have had that.”