A source of support in times of real need
WIDOW FOUNDED CHARITY AFTER HUSBAND DIED
Reporter WHEN Chris Knighton’s husband died of asbestos-related cancer just seven months after diagnosis, she threw herself into founding a support group for others in the same devastating situation. Fast-forward 15 years and the Tyneside-based group has grown to become the biggest of its kind in the country. Mick Knighton passed away from mesothelioma aged just 59 in 2001 and, realising they were not alone, Chris wanted to create a group as a way to establish a network of people who were going through the same experiences. The following year, The North Tyneside Mesothelioma Support Group (NTMSG) was born and since that time has supported many people with the industrial disease and their loved ones, during the traumatic period from diagnosis to bereavement and beyond.
The group has grown considerably over the past few years, and takes in people from across Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland, several of whom have been attending for many years having found friendship and support from people in a similar position to themselves.
Having secured Lottery funding for three consecutive years, as well as its monthly meeting in Walker, North Tyneside – where the funding has enabled them to cover costs and equipment - NTMSG is able to finance trips for its members.
As well as days out and coach trips, opportunities also include attendance at the annual national Patient and Carers Day, which offers the chance to meet fellow patients, families and healthcare professionals from across the UK.
Chris is now known nationwide as a passionate campaigner and founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF) to raise awareness of, and fund research into, the disease. The charity, which has raised over £1.5m, also finances the role of a specialist mesothelioma nurse for the North East.
Dedicating her life to help those affected, Chris previously spoke to the Chronicle about the rising numbers of people diagnosed with the killer disease. She said: “It certainly isn’t a disease from yesterday. It is very much for the now and the future. It’s like a ticking time-