The musician, who is the new patron of the charity Brain Tumour Research, says it is shameful that charities have taken on the brunt of the research and is calling on the Government to step up. “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.” The award-winning musical theatre star was 23 when his father Alfred died in 1997.
“It makes me angry that, in all this time, the situation for patients like Dad hasn’t really changed,” Boe said. “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.” 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, Boe 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.
