Action Mesothelioma Day Helps Raise Awareness
AN information day to raise awareness about an asbestos related disease was attended by more than 100 delegates in the North East.
The event, held by the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund at Gateshead Civic Centre, provided a one-stop shop to people from all backgrounds about the disease.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease, which can lie dormant in the body for up to 30 years.
At the event delegates from the NHS, the legal industry, trade unions and mesothelioma sufferers and their family members, heard about recent medical research into the disease, the history of the disease and what work is being done now to stop further spread of asbestos.
They also heard about how to claim compensation for the disease and about the barriers in the way to claiming money.
Mesothelioma survivor, Graham Sherlock-Brown addressed the conference and told how he has now been given the all clear by his doctor.
Graham was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2002. To this day he does not know where he was exposed to asbestos.
Just a few months following his diagnosis, after three courses of chemotherapy, Graham underwent a radical procedure to have his right lung removed.
He said: "It is devastating to be told you have cancer, never mind that it is incurable and worst of all you cannot pronounce it or even spell it. That is the position I was in five and a half years ago."
Following the operation Graham spent his time concentrating on living his life. After building up his strength at the local gym, eating healthily and keeping a positive attitude he has now travelled the world with his wife.
He added: "Six months after my operation my surgeon said he had done his best but they are no guarantees with mesothelioma. He told me he had bought me a couple of years and he said your next few years like your golden years. Since then we have been to Europe, Canada, and the States and on several cruises and we are not going to stop providing we have the funds. "
Speakers included Dr Jeremy Steele, Consultant in Oncology at St Barts and Chair of Mesothelioma UK, Dr Albi Ryan Recipient of the MKMRF Award 2006, Ian McFall Head of the Asbestos Litigation Team at Thompsons Solicitors and Rob Hirst Inspector for Health and Safety Executive. The event was Chaired by Dr Tim Peel, Lead Clinician for Northumbria in Lung Disease and Palliative Care.
The conference also saw the launch of a new branch of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, the Snowdrop Fund, which allows family members to set up a charity in the name of a loved one.
The Snowdrop Fund will allow people to create a lasting legacy for their loved ones who have been lost to mesothelioma.
All the money raised will be collected into the MKMRF pot and will be used to fund further research into the disease.
All Snowdrop Funds will be given the opportunity to have their own web space on the MKMRF website and they will be given fundraising support from the charity.
Carole Orton from Clavering, near Hartlepool has launched the first Snow Drop Fund in memory of her dad and brother who both died from mesothelioma.
The new fund called the Harry and Stephen Gray Snow Drop Memorial Fund has already raised more £7,000.
Carole’s dad died in November 2002, aged 67, after a six-month battle against mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.
The granddad of 15 became ill after being exposed to asbestos fibres throughout his working life as a lagger.
He first started the work at 14 and worked as a contractor lagging power stations and ships with asbestos.
Carole’s brother Stephen died last year. He was just 44, and left behind a son, Harry, aged five and a daughter, Kate, just 23-months-old.
Stephen also worked as a lagger.
Carole said being able to create a Snow Drop Fund in their names has given her a drive to raise as much money as possible for research into mesothelioma.
She said: “My brother was so young when he was first diagnosed with mesothelioma. We knew what the disease was as my dad had died just a few years before but we were shocked to find out there was no cure and there was no way to save Stephen.
"When I found out there was no government funding for mesothelioma research I vowed to raise money in order to help people in the future. The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund and the Snow Drop Funds means that our money can now be put to \'real\' use."
Carole added: "Being part of a larger charity means we can concentrate on the fundraising instead of worrying about the accounts, gaining charity status and dealing with paperwork. We can allow the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund to shoulder the red tape while we concentrate on what is important to us."
"It is a pleasure to be the first Snow Drop Fund."
Chris Knighton, founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund said the day was a success.
She said: "It was wonderful to see so many people devote an entire day to finding out more about mesothelioma. We heard from a number of high profile speakers who were able to tell us about the advances of research into mesothelioma, work being done to guarantee better compensation for sufferers and the work being done to safeguard those who work with asbestos now. "
"The delegates were engaged and were able to ask the experts questions giving a real sense of audience participation. "
Chris added about the new funds: "I wanted to give other people the opportunity to raise money in memory of a loved one who has died from mesothelioma. This will be a lasting legacy which will help make a difference for those diagnosed with this disease in the future."
MKMRF has also created white ribbons as a sign of hope and promise to support the new fund. These are available for £1 from Chris Knighton on 0191 263 7386.
Anyone who has been affected by mesothelioma can set up a Snow Drop Fund in memory of a special person.
For more information contact Chris Knighton on 0191 263 7386. Email:cknighton-mkmrf@btconnect.com
