Ladies’ lunch to help sufferers of rare lung cancer
ANNUAL EVENT HELPS CHARITY TO FUND NURSE FOR REGION
TYNESIDE has one of the highest death tolls from asbestos related cancer in the country – a tragic legacy of our industrial past.
Many North East workers have lost their battles with the deadly and incurable disease mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos in their jobs.
When Mick Knighton died aged 59 and just seven months after after diagnosis, his widow Chris set up a support group for others in the same devastating situation.
Fast-forward 15 years and the North Tyneside Mesothelioma Support Group (NTMSG) has grown to become the biggest of its kind in the country.
Chris then also founded 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.
The fund, which is part of the British Lung Foundation, is holding a ‘Ladies wot Lunch’ fundraising event to raise much needed funds for research into this incurable cancer.
The annual event will be held in the Chandelier Suite at Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms today and is the highlight in the charity’s fundraising calendar.
The day promises a welcome glass of bubbly followed by a four-course lunch, a fashion show by a leading British fashion house, beauty demonstrations, a grand draw, music, dancing and more.
Chris said: ”The Ladies wot Lunch is a great opportunity for ladies, many of whom have lost loved ones to mesothelioma, to get dressed up and have some fun, while raising much-needed funds for research into this devastating cancer.
“The support we’ve received over the years is very much appreciated, as it’s only with the help and support of people like them will we ever find a scientific breakthrough into preventive treatment and in time a cure for mesothelioma.”
All money raised helps the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund continue its work into research, information and support. Tickets are priced at £30 and are available from Chris Knighton at 07706469111 or Chris.Knighton@ mkmrf.org.uk