My dad died 20 years too early because of asbestos
DAUGHTER ON MISSION TO HELP OTHERS AVOID DANGERS OF DEADLY SUBSTANCE
A WOMAN who lost her dad ‘20 years too early’ to asbestos-related cancer says people are still ignorant of the risks.
Gordon Marriott, 70, died of mesothelioma back in 2010 just months after being diagnosed with the cancer.
His daughter Natalie Hazelhurst has dedicated her time since then to raising awareness about the disease.
The dad-of-three and grandad-ofnine had an active lifestyle which saw him play golf every day, but within a year, the illness left him unable to leave the house.
Despite its prevalence in homes, schools and other buildings constructed prior to asbestos being banned, Natalie says most people have little knowledge of the dangers it poses.
“It became apparent after dad’s diagnosis that no one really knew what mesothelioma was, yet around 2,500 people in the UK get the diagnosis every year,” she said.
“He was so fit and healthy, and that was the most shocking thing – to see him deteriorate so rapidly.
“The coroner at his inquest said without it, all things being equal, that he would have lived into his late 80s which meant we could have had him for another 20 years.”
Gordon, from Clayton Bridge, was married to childhood sweetheart Christine for almost 50 years. He is thought to have been exposed to asbestos through his work as an electrician.
The family have raised more than £50,000 for the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group.
Natalie, who lives in Chisworth, near Glossop, with husband Chris and their four daughters, added: “We hold a golf day every year to celebrate his memory and to help them. Many people just come for the sport, but by the time they leave they understand a bit more about the illness and so I feel that we are making progress.”
The fifth annual Gordon Marriott Memorial Golf Day, supported by law firm Slater and Gordon, is on Friday, September 7, at Blackley Golf Club in Middleton. Entry is £40 per player including breakfast or lunch depending on the tee times, which run from 7.30am to 1.30pm, and a place at the evening presentation dinner and disco.
For more details call Chris on 07917 633 935, email chazelhurst@sky.com.