Action Mesothelioma Day marked in Plymouth

Patients, relatives and friends marked the Action Mesothelioma Day on Friday 3 July at Saltram House, with a special event in memory of those affected.

The event was organised by the South West Mesothelioma Group, based at the Macmillan Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital, and welcomed anyone affected by asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Sarah Earl, Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist at Derriford Hospital, said: “Action Mesothelioma Day is an important date to raise awareness about this challenging disease and the dangers of asbestos exposure. It is also an opportunity to come together to support all those affected and to remember those who have died from it in the South West.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone that has helped with the fundraising over the last year or has given donations in memory of loved ones, as without such generosity, the group would find it difficult to continue providing support to both patients and carers and continue spreading awareness.

“The money raised has also been used for research into the management and treatment of mesothelioma and the purchase of equipment, which has helped services support patients with mesothelioma across the South West.”

The Action Mesothelioma campaign was started in 2006 by the British Lung Foundation and is held every year across the UK on the first Friday in July. MesotheliomaAction Mesothelioma Day is an aggressive cancer caused by breathing in asbestos dust and there is currently no cure. It sadly claims the lives of over 2,500 people in the UK every year.

The South West Mesothelioma Support Group is a very proactive group, offering support to both patients and carers. They are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, raising money to undertake research into the management and treatment of this challenging disease and giving equipment that helps services support patients with mesothelioma across the South West.

Anyone wanting more information about the group can contact Sarah Earl on 01752 763665 or plh-tr.mesothelioma-nurses@nhs.net. More photos from the day can be seen on Twitter @maapscharity.