HELP FOR VICTIMS AND FAMILIES OF ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES

Action Mesothelioma Day 27th February 2008

We were really pleased to see well over one hundred people turn out to raise awareness about Mesothelioma on Action Mesothelioma Day. We were able to attract media attention which is vitally important in raising the profile of mesothelioma and trying to prevent future exposure to asbestos. Derby Telegraph, Derby Trader, Radio Derby and ITV East Midlands attended and reported on the awareness campaign. We were also able to raise a staggering £4656 for research into mesothelioma, which has been split between the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund. The money was raised from balloon sponsorship. The balloons were designed for loved ones who have died as a result of mesothelioma and for those who have been made ill by exposure to asbestos. Report from Action Mesothelioma Day in Derby Dave Fisher from Rowley Ashworth Solicitors chaired the Third Action Mesothelioma Day meeting on Wednesday, 27th February 2008 prior to releasing 1000 black balloons into the air as a tribute to all those who have died from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, or who have been made ill by this disease. I was the first speaker of the day, welcoming the National Institute and Clinical Excellence (NICE) decision on Alimta, but criticised the body following the comments by Cancer Research UK which said it often acted as a brake on the use of new and innovative treatments in cancer care. I also welcomed the new campaign by the Health and Safety Executive which is raising awareness amongst maintenance workers about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. However, the campaign does not go far enough. The Asbestos Support Groups Forum would like to see a National TV advert campaign. We need to get the message into people’s homes so that they can help protect loved ones from the dangers of exposure. Rob Miguel, Health and Safety Advisor from UNITE spoke next. Rob comes from the construction engineering section where he was a heating engineer when he was an apprentice. For a period of 8 years he was exposed to an incredible amount of asbestos dust. He said like others, he was exposed to asbestos and lives with the fear of getting the disease later on. He talked about campaigns and education and about educating representatives to be aware of this substance. Sally Rowe from the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary spoke about the role of the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist. The lung cancer nurse specialist is a point of contact for patients. The role is to ensure a constant link between patients and care plan team members throughout the journey for patients and carers. Sally said that communication is one of the key elements in carrying out the job successfully and caring for patients and carers. Those present at the meeting raised a number of issues, more still needs to be done to speed up the diagnosis process and the time waiting for biopsy results. The issue was also raised that Alimta is only prescribed for first line chemotherapy. Those who could not wait for the NICE decision, (after all it has taken 3 years), and had to opt for other chemotherapy, cannot get Alimta now that it is available. This is extremely unfair. Rob Miguel from UNITE, stated he would raise this at the next Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Asbestos. Anyone affected by this should also write to their local MP. If you need any help please contact DAST. Tony Tinley from UNITE spoke about the Union’s campaign to support people diagnosed with mesothelioma. UNITE have established a database of people who have been exposed to asbestos. This helps to provide witness support for others diagnosed with asbestos related diseases. Mr Warham gave a very emotional and brave report about how his family was affected when his Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma. On closing of the meeting we moved outside, where Roger McKenzie, Midlands TUC Secretary gave a very powerful speech, calling on the Government to take action and attend Action Mesothelioma Day. Roger McKenzie then read out the balloon sponsorship tribute and a minute’s silence was called for, before Mrs Kath Spencer released the balloons. Bill Spencer, Kath’s husband died in December from Mesothelioma. Action Mesothelioma Day in Leicester Mrs Thornton once again did a great job in organising Action Mesothelioma Day in Leicester. 200 black balloons were released from Leicester Town Hall Square. The event was well attended and speeches were heard from the Lord Mayor and Reverend M Sharpe. The Reverend gave out black and white stones, symbolising dark days (black stone) and good days (white stone). Local press also attended the event.