On Friday 2nd of July a series of events took place throughout the world to mark Action Mesothelioma Day. The events were all part of a British Lung Foundation campaign for people diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a terminal chest cancer which develops 15 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos.
In Barrow in Furness, Barrow Asbestos Related Disease Support Group (BARDS), supported by St Mary’s Hospice, held an awareness raising event at the Forum 28, Duke Street. Members of BARDS and representatives from legal teams, trade unions and other organisations were on hand to offer advice throughout the day.
Last year, figures showed 197 people in Barrow, 42 people in Copeland and 59 people in South Lakeland have died from mesothelioma since 1981. At 1.30pm a ceremony was held at the front of Barrow Town hall to pay tribute to people who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases. Barrow mayor, Councillor Rory McClure, and Furness MP John Woodcock laid a wreath in remembrance of people who have died from mesothelioma in the gardens.
Maureen Kirk, from St Mary’s Hospice said: “The day is about mesothelioma. It has touched the lives of many, many people here in Barrow. We are very fortunate that we have specialist solicitors to offer advice, trade unions which are very active in health and safety campaigns, nursing care at the hospice, complimentary therapy and bereavement support and all of those people behind the scenes. We have a number of volunteers who make a huge difference, whether it’s lending an ear or making a cup of tea.”
Mr Woodcock said: “Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases such as pleural plaques are embedded in the history of Barrow and the Furness area. We have a duty as a community of caring people and government to do right by the people who have suffered and continue to suffer from this dreadful disease.”
Bob Pointer, secretary of the Barrow Trades’ Council and a member of BARDS, said: “The day has gone well, a few people have approached and asked questions, but still not a lot of people know the dangers of asbestos. We need publicity to let younger generations know.”
Julie Clark, of Walney, lost her mother Maureen Mawson to mesothelioma in March this year. Mrs Clark said: “My mum beat cancer twice in her life, but then she was diagnosed with mesothelioma and we were told there is just no cure. She got it from washing my dad’s overalls – he was a boilerman and he was surrounded by asbestos. He used to come home with it all over his overalls and in those days you had to shake them with the old-fashioned way of washing. We went to BARDS and they gave us some courage.”
Mrs Clark and her brother David Howson presented a cheque for £1,000 to St Mary’s Hospice, based in Ulverston, at the ceremony. Mr Howson said: “We just wanted to give something back to the hospice for the care our mum received.”
Jennifer Culley, BARDS nurse at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “I would like to thank everybody who came along to show their support.”
