Exposure to asbestos has left some people fighting for their lives. Here, former carpenter explains how he’s been affected

Apensioner who was exposed to asbestos while working as a carpenter says he now needs an oxygen mask just to go to the toilet.

Keith Gardner, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2015, says he was forced to give up his career due to his ill-health.

The 67-year-old says he now finds walking and simple tasks almost impossible to carry out – because he’s constantly out of breath.

He is now largely confined to his bed and needs constant care which is provided by a team of district nurses.

“There’s nothing anyone can do, I’m not getting better,” said Keith, who talks frankly and openly about his condition.

“My illness got worse so quickly. I had struggled with breathlessness for quite some time, but now it’s so bad that if I walk even for a few seconds to sit on the commode I have to put my oxygen mask on as I’m so out of breath.

“The things that you take for granted, like walking or moving around the house, get taken away from you.”

Keith had initially planned to retire at 70, but at 66 was forced to hang up his boots early due to his illhealth.

Now, just 12 months on from his retirement, he’s facing a bleak future.

He said: “I worked hard all my life and really looked forward to retirement, which is supposed to be the best years of your life.

“But that’s all been taken away from me because of my illness.”

Mesothelioma is a cancer that most commonly starts in the layers of tissue that cover each lung.

In the UK around 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, but Cancer Research UK says the numbers are increasing.

About five times more men than women are diagnosed with the condition because it is often caused by exposure to asbestos at work.

Keith pursued compensation from his former employer and has recently settled his claim for an undisclosed sum.

He added: “When I die, my state pension stops and my wife will be left to live on her own.

“My claim means she’ll have enough when I’m not there, and will also help with my daughter’s wedding this July. I can’t use the money to enjoy my retirement, but it will make sure everyone’s alright.”

The Newport man decided to speak out to help raise awareness of the condition and call for caution over asbestos exposure.

“Safety is much better now than it was when I was working and exposed to asbestos,” he added.

“If there’s a danger of asbestos these days, places get shut down and the asbestos gets removed safely.

“There was none of that when I was working, but people still need to take care – you can’t say you won’t ever get what I’ve got.”

Hugh James solicitors works with many mesothelioma patients in Wales to help them secure financial support for their families.

Richard Green, partner in the Industrial Disease team at Hugh James said: “Unfortunately there are more and more mesothelioma cases every year, as a result of people being exposed to asbestos many years ago though their work.

“Despite this, mesothelioma receives only a fraction of the research funding that other forms of cancer do, which means the outlook for those who have it isn’t good at the moment.

“We can’t cure people but we can help them access funding to help them in living with the disease, and also to support themselves but also their families, who have to face the dreadful prospect of losing a loved one.”

Action Mesothelioma Day took place on July 7 to raise awareness of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Hugh James co-sponsored an event by Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru (AASC) – a local support group for victims of asbestosrelated diseases, their families and their carers.

“We were incredibly proud to mark Action Mesothelioma Day once again by supporting Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru, whose work makes such a difference to victims and their families, following devastating news.”

The event included a dove release in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to the disease, before presentations and afternoon tea.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from this disease, or any other asbestos related condition, they can contact a member of the asbestos team at Hugh James on 02920 785691 for a confidential chat.