Historic Westminster debate honours Horsham woman as Sussex residents invited to help shape the future of Breast Cancer research
A campaign founded by Horsham resident Dr Susan Michaelis BCA(hon), who died from invasive lobular breast cancer in July last year, has reached another remarkable milestone after Members of Parliament held a historic Westminster Hall debate dedicated to her life and legacy.
The debate, held on 9 July 2026, marked the first anniversary of Susan's death and celebrated the extraordinary impact of the Lobular Moon Shot Project, the national campaign she founded with her husband, filmmaker Tristan Loraine. It also renewed calls for the Government to ring-fence £20 million for urgently needed research into invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC).
The debate was significant not only because Parliament honoured Susan's determination and courage, but because it demonstrated the unprecedented level of political support the campaign has achieved. Today, 465 Members of Parliament have publicly backed the Lobular Moon Shot Project, making it the most politically supported campaign in British history.
The project was established after Susan discovered that her own invasive lobular breast cancer had gone undetected despite two mammograms and two ultrasounds. By the time it was diagnosed, the tumour had grown to around seven centimetres. Knowing that research would come too late to save her, Susan devoted the final years of her life to ensuring future generations would have better opportunities for earlier diagnosis and disease-specific treatments.
Invasive lobular breast cancer accounts for around 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Approximately 22 women are diagnosed every day across the UK and Ireland, while around 1,000 people are diagnosed worldwide every day. Around 2% of all women will develop invasive lobular breast cancer during their lifetime, yet there is still no treatment specifically developed for the disease.
Speaking after the debate, campaign organisers said the recognition from Parliament was deeply moving but stressed that the campaign's work is far from over.
"We have the support of the majority of elected MPs, leading scientists, clinicians and thousands of members of the public," said Tristan Loraine. "The scientific programme is ready. What we still need is for the Government to provide the funding needed to begin this vital research."
Just days after the Westminster Hall debate, supporters gathered once again in London for another powerful demonstration.
On 14 July 2026, patients, families and supporters took part in a silent vigil opposite Downing Street, standing quietly together to remember Susan and to call for greater investment in lobular breast cancer research.
There were no speeches. No chanting. No political slogans. Only silence. The vigil reflected Susan's belief that quiet dignity can often speak more powerfully than words.
Now the campaign is asking the people of Sussex to help make history.
On 9 September 2026, supporters from across the United Kingdom will gather opposite Downing Street for what organisers hope will be the largest silent vigil of its kind ever held.
The aim is to bring together 1,000 people, representing the 1,000 people diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer around the world every single day.
The invitation is not just for people affected by breast cancer.
It is for anyone who believes that medical research should be properly funded, that future generations deserve better treatments, and that when an overwhelming majority of elected Members of Parliament call on the Government to act, those voices should be given proper weight.
With 465 MPs publicly supporting the Lobular Moon Shot Project, campaign organisers believe the issue has become about more than breast cancer alone. They argue it is also about ensuring that Parliament's clearly expressed cross-party support is given full consideration by Government.
There will be no speeches. No chanting. No party political banners.
Just one thousand people standing together in silence opposite Downing Street - a powerful demonstration of support for better research, better outcomes for future generations and the principle that broad democratic support for an important public health issue deserves a meaningful response.
Whether you have been affected by breast cancer, know someone who has, work in healthcare or research, or simply believe that investment in life-saving medical research benefits everyone, you are warmly invited to stand alongside hundreds of others in support of the campaign.
The campaign is also encouraging Sussex residents to take part in a sponsored walk from Horsham to the Sussex coast on 27 September. Participants can complete the entire route or join for shorter sections, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities while raising funds to support the Lobular Moon Shot Project.
The year's fundraising activities will conclude with the inaugural Lobular Moon Shot Project Charity Dinner at South Lodge Hotel on 19 December, bringing together supporters, researchers, clinicians and campaigners to celebrate the progress achieved and continue building support for the future.
Organisers say everyone is welcome at every event.
"This campaign has always been about creating a better future," said Tristan Loraine. "Susan believed that no woman should face this disease knowing there is no treatment designed specifically for it. Whether you have been affected by breast cancer or simply believe in supporting better medical research and the democratic process, we would love you to stand with us on 9 September."
For more information about invasive lobular breast cancer, the Lobular Moon Shot Project, the 9 September Silent Vigil, the 27 September sponsored walk, the 19 December charity dinner, and other ways to get involved, visit: