The former mayor of Beaconsfield and president of a brain tumour charity has welcomed the launch of a new London research centre, 13 years after his daughter passed away.

Sandy Saunders, who lives in Beaconsfield and was mayor of the town from 2013 to 2014, is president of Bucks charity Brain Tumour Research.

He dedicated himself to helping in the fight against brain tumours after his daughter Diana passed away in 2002.

In partnership with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Brain Tumour Research opened its fourth centre of excellence on September 24.

The centre, based near Hammersmith Hospital, will bring hope to thousands of people diagnosed with brain tumours.

Mr Saunders, who is currently a Beaconsfield West representative on the town council, travelled to London for the official launch of the centre along with patients, carers, scientists, clinicians and charities from across the UK.

The latest centre means the charity is more than halfway towards its aim of creating seven dedicated research centres.

At the launch, Mr Saunders placed a tile on the Wall of Hope to sponsor a day of research in memory of his daughter, who died aged 42.

Mother of three Diana was diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme after doctors at Wycombe Hospital discovered a shadow on her brain and she passed away three weeks later.

Mr Saunders said: “When Diana was diagnosed I just couldn’t understand how this could happen. How can so many people have brain tumours yet so little be known?

“I was staggered to learn that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet receive so little funding. How can it be right that just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease? I cannot sit by and do nothing.

“It would be an incredible legacy for Diana if the work being carried out by scientists here leads to a cure for brain tumours.

“I am proud that our fundraising in her memory has played a part in enabling Brain Tumour Research to launch this new Centre of Excellence which will bring hope to all those diagnosed each year and their loved ones.”

Sue Farrington Smith, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are extremely grateful to Sandy and to our many supporters whose hard work and dedication are helping us to fund the fight.

“This new centre brings a welcome and timely boost to long-term sustainable and continuous research into brain tumours. It is also a great milestone as it signifies we are more than half-way on our journey to create seven dedicated research centres. This number will ensure there is a critical mass of researchers who will bring us closer to a cure.”

To donate £5 to help the work of Brain Tumour Research, text RSCH01 £5 to 70070 or visit www.braintumourresearch.org.