Action Mesothelioma takes place each year on the first Friday in July. Numerous Charity organisations throughout the UK organise events to remember asbestos victims, their friends and loved ones on this special day. Hundreds of people join in harmony to raise awareness, share their stories and raise much needed funds to support those affected by mesothelioma.
The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team organised an event at the Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale, Matlock. Joanne Gordon, DAST Co-ordinator welcomed guests to the event and spoke about their most recent campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and offered advice on how victims could claim the compensation they deserve.
Guests were invited to write their own personal message to mesothelioma victims on notelets, which were later hung from the tree of remembrance as a poignant reminder of those affected by asbestos related illness.
The Chairman of DAST, Dave Trigg spoke about the dangers of asbestos in schools which prompted one delegate to share her story. Her husband had died of Mesothelioma a few years ago, despite neither working in the construction industry or anywhere else where asbestos was present. She firmly believed that he was exposed to asbestos whilst at school.
Representatives of UKATA joined other guests around the tree of remembrance to hear Sarah Walters read a prize-winning poem written by Pam Baker before setting off on their ‘Walk a Mile for Mesothelioma’. The walk took them past beautiful lakes, plants and wildlife giving everyone the opportunity to reflect and remember those who had lost their lives due to Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.
Whilst walking the guests were interested to learn more about the work of UKATA, particularly how the association raises awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
After a very enjoyable walk UKATA representatives joined other guests for a group photo as a lasting memory of a very successful ‘Action Mesothelioma Day 2019’.
Published on Monday 8th July 2019