Lost to a cancer without a cure

A dove is released at the event. Inset, Mick Knighton. Reporter THE region paid tribute to those lost to asbestos cancer on Action Mesothelioma Day in an event organised by a Wallsend widow.

It saw leading medical experts from around the world show up for the day of remembrance.

Thousands of people across the UK have lost their lives to mesothelioma – an aggressive lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure – over the past 20 years, with levels of the incurable cancer in the North East being some of the highest in the world.

Shockingly, experts predict at least 2,500 deaths nationally each year from mesothelioma for at least the rest of the decade.

The event in the North East, held in Walkerville, Newcastle, was one of a series of events around the UK.

Among the speakers were Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, and oncologist Dr Alastair Greystoke from the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

Leah Taylor, the specialist mesothelioma nurse for Northumberland and North Tyneside, was Chris Knighton speaks at the event also in attendance.

As well as presentations, there was also the annual dove release and ‘roll call of honour’ in memory of those who have passed away.

The day was created to raise awareness of the disease and vital funds for mesothelioma research in the hope that a cure can one day be found. It was also founded as a means to promote an Action Mesothelioma Charter, much of which has now been achieved.

Chris Knighton, from Wallsend, lost her beloved husband Mick to mesothelioma in 2001 and has since gone on to raise over £1.5m to fund groundbreaking research into the disease after founding the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF).

She is also one of the founders of Action Mesothelioma Day, which was established in 2006, and organised the region’s event.

Chris said: “The North East is one of the areas worst affected by the disease in the UK. Action Mesothelioma Day unites patients, their families, health and safety representatives and health and legal professionals, providing much-needed support, care and information on best possible treatment and clinical trials.”

Raelene Lingam, a specialist asbestos lawyer, said: “Mesothelioma is a cruel disease which has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent workers who have been unwittingly exposed to asbestos while going about their daily lives.

“While currently there is no cure, occasions like Action Mesothelioma Day...to raise funds and awareness will hopefully one day change this.”