Chris Evans, the Member of Parliament for Caerphilly, has joined the campaign for Owain’s Law after a meeting with Ellie James, Owain’s widow, in Parliament.
Ellie James is campaigning for Owain’s Law which would require NHS hospitals freeze suitable brain tumour tissue the right way, and guarantee that the tissue stays the patient’s property under informed consent.
Owain James, from Caerphilly, died in June 2024 at the age of 34 after a malignant stage four tumour was found in his brain. As part of his treatment, brain tissue was removed but only a small amount was kept in a way which could have limited options for further treatment.
A Change.org petition has been launched by Ellie James, which has already reached over 14,500 signatures.
Mr Evans has vowed to write to the Human Tissue Authority, support events in Parliament supporting Owain’s Law, and submit Written Parliamentary Questions to the UK Government.
Mr. Evans said, “It was a pleasure to meet Ellie in my London office recently to hear about her and Owain’s story, and what I can do to help. Her campaign for Owain’s Law has been tireless and inspiring.
“I think it is right that patients should have some control over how their tissue is kept and what is done with it. In cases of brain tissue, certain kinds of storage can limit options for further treatment which should not be the case.
“I will be raising Owain’s case in Parliament wherever I can, and I will be urging the Government to change the law and give patients more rights over what is done with their tissue.”
