Industrial disease specialists from Thompsons Solicitors will today (Friday 5 July) be attending and supporting a number of events being held across the UK for Action Mesothelioma Day to raise awareness about asbestos related cancer.

The day is designed to promote awareness about mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, which over 2,500 people are diagnosed with every year in the UK.

Many of those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed decades ago while at work

Asbestos related diseases have long latency periods and victims can experience the onset of symptoms up to 50 years or more after being exposed. Many of those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma - an incurable form of cancer - were exposed decades ago while at work.

Action Mesothelioma Day is an annual reminder that mesothelioma, while often associated with shipbuilding, engineering and construction industry, also affects those exposed to asbestos in a wide range of occupations and locations including public sector work places such as schools, hospitals and other buildings.

The number of people whose lives are devastated by mesothelioma in the UK is set to increase

Ian McFall, head of the National Asbestos Litigation Team at Thompsons, will be delivering a presentation at the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund event in Gateshead on compensation for mesothelioma sufferers and their families.

He said: “The number of people whose lives are devastated by mesothelioma in the UK is set to increase as official estimates predict over 60,000 will be diagnosed in the future.

“Action Mesothelioma Day has been a great success in helping many people understand more about the disease in previous years. Today’s events will build on that, raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, diagnosis and treatment options for patients and families as well as access to support and compensation.”

Industrial disease specialists from Thompsons will be attending events across the country to support the day’s activities

Industrial disease specialists from Thompsons will be attending events across the country to support the day’s activities, including:

  • The Asbestos Support West Midlands event will take place between 11.00am and 1.30pm in the Birmingham City Council House at Victoria Square. The day will include songs, readings and two presentations in the Council Chamber, with a ceremonial dove release at 12.30pm. For more information Tel. Asbestos Support West Midlands on 0121 678 8853.
  • Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group’s event will begin with a release of doves at 12.30pm in Lincoln Square, followed by a public meeting in Manchester Town Hall where General Secretary of Unite the Union Len McCluskey will deliver a speech. For more information Tel: 0161 636 7555.
  • Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support and Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support’s will host a joint event at Liverpool Town Hall, including a series of specialist talks and a release of sponsored doves. The event will begin at 11am and finish at 3.15pm. For more information Tel: 0151 236 1895.
  • Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team and Mesothelioma UK Event have joined to host ‘A Reflection of the Celebration of Life’ at the Leicester Cathedral between 3.00pm and 4.45pm. There will be two Trees of Reflection set in the Leicester Cathedral where you can sponsor a rose for a loved one, or in memory of a loved one. For more information Tel. DAST on 01246 380415 or Mesothelioma UK on 0800 169 2409.
  • The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund event will take place at Gateshead Civic Centre, Regents Street. The mesothelioma conference with a series of talks and panel discussion will begin at 10am, following the launch of a commemorative tree where people can pledge their support to those who develop asbestos related disease. Ian McFall, head of the National Asbestos Litigation Team at Thompsons, will be delivering a talk on benefits and compensation at 11.50am. The event ends at 4.00pm.