Mick Knighton

 

Mesothelioma

Research Fund

Snowdrop Fund Launch

When my husband, Mick was diagnosed in August 2000 and told he only had 6months to live, there was to be no treatment or cure or hope. We were naturally devastated and spent every minute of every precious day together in the time we had left. Mick survived 7months but I vowed then that he wouldn’t have died in vain.

I discovered the numbers of people affected with this cancer after being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres were rising at an alarming rate. Every five hours one person in this country dies from Mesothelioma. I was determined people had to be made aware of the dangers of asbestos and preventive treatment and easing of symptoms had to be explored.

Therefore in 2002 I began the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund in his memory. My original target was to raise a £100,000 towards research into the disease. Since then with assistance from Anne Craig and others who have been affected by Mesothelioma, along with much appreciated help and support of local people and companies we have exceeded our original target and have now raised in excess of £300,000 for research into the disease.

The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund really is helping to make a difference as this amount enabled us to fund two major research studies into Mesothelioma where before there was virtually nothing.

We have actively campaigned to stop the inequalities in compensation payments and for the right for sufferers to have the best possible treatment available no matter where they live. We have a thriving Mesothelioma Self- help group where everyone whose lives have been affected by this devastating disease meets regularly in a supportive and social atmosphere.

I know how devastated I was when I lost Mick and how much I wanted him to have some sort of lasting legacy and tribute. I’ve met so many people whose loved ones have also been affected and today I’m launching a new fund to enable families to raise money in the name of their loved ones who have been affected by Mesothelioma.

I’m inviting families across the country to set up a Snow drop Tribute Fund to raise money for important research into the disease by creating a lasting legacy for their loved ones.

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 we will give fundraising support from the charity.

I want to give other people the opportunity to raise money in memory of loved ones. Their lasting legacy will certainly help make a difference to those diagnosed with the disease in the future.

By pooling the new Snow Drop Funds and the monies raised by the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund we will be able to make a real impact on research into the disease. There is no government funding so every single penny we raise really counts.

I’m really excited to be launching these new funds today. When I first began the fund to raise £100,000 in Mick’s name I never would have believed that we could achieve so much. It’s an honour to be able to give other people the same opportunity.

We chose the snowdrop as it works so hard through the depths of despair in the winter, yet come the spring it pushes through the ground bringing hope and promise for the future to everyone who sees it.

We hope these funds will give hope and promise to all who take part.

Carol Orton from Clavering near Hartlepool has launched the very first Snow Drop Fund in memory of her dad and brother who both died from Mesothelioma.

The new Harry and Stephen Gray Snowdrop Memorial Fund have already raised over £7,000 and Carol is here today to tell you her story.

As part of the Fund, North Tyneside Council and Gateshead Council have agreed to plant 5,000 snowdrops on either side of the banks of the River Tyne, where thousands of people have been exposed to asbestos. I’m hoping in years to come we can create a carpet of snowdrops across the length and breadth of the country.

The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund has also created white ribbons as a sign of hope and promise for future sufferers of this devastating cancer. Ribbons are available to everyone on our stand here today or you can place an order.

Anyone whose lives have been affected by Mesothelioma can set up a Snowdrop Fund for a special person affected.

The Snow Drop Funds are lasting tributes to a loved one by those who cared most for them.

The Snow Drop Fund will raise funds in honour or memory of a special person who is or has suffered with mesothelioma.

Organising events and activities in aid of mesothelioma research is a great way to help others who suffer from this devastating cancer.

By working together we will improve the lives of Mesothelioma sufferers.

Chris Knighton