Call for breast cancer fund as campaigner honoured

The husband of a lobular breast cancer campaigner said "she would be disappointed" that funding to research the disease is yet to be allocated a year after her death.

Dr Susan Michaelis, from Horsham in West Sussex, was diagnosed in 2011 and launched the Lobular Moon Shot Project in 2023 calling for £20m to fund research, but died on 9 July, 2025.

Ahead of a parliamentary debate due to be held in Michaelis's memory on Thursday, her husband Tristan Lorraine said he was "so glad people will get to know a little bit more about her".

A government spokesperson said its "sympathies go out to women and families impacted by lobular breast cancer", adding it knows there is "more we can do".

Lorraine told BBC Radio Sussex: "People will get to learn a little bit more about Susan and the amazing work she did.

"She wasn't one for the limelight. She would be disappointed that the government hasn't allocated the £20m that's needed a year on."

Lorraine said the Lobular Moon Shot Project was previously supported by Andy Burnham, and Lorraine hoped this would continue if he becomes the next prime minister.

Lobular breast cancer makes up 15% of breast cancer cases and differs from more common forms as it begins in the milk-producing lobule glands.

Campaigners say it is under-studied and rarely recognised due to rarely forming a lump in the same way as other breast cancers.

The Westminster Hall debate into government support for the Lobular Moon Shot Project has been backed by Horsham MP John Milne.

He said: "Susan led a fantastic campaign over many years.

"It's tragic that we have allowed it go on this long without any treatment.

"We have got to get some momentum behind it. I believe we can get this over the line."

A private member's bill, sponsored by Milne, calls for provisions to be made for research and will have its second reading in the House of Commons in September.

A spokesperson for Department of Health and Social Care said it is "determined to back research that could transform outcomes for patients".

It also said it is "putting research at the heart of improving outcomes" so patients benefit from more effective treatments.

Michaelis completed a marketing degree, but dreamed of becoming a pilot.

She saved enough money to become a private pilot, then pilot teacher before making it as an airline pilot, flying to remote communities in the challenging terrain of the Northern Territory of Australia.

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