On 19th of August 2021 my mum sadly lost her battle with cancer (sarcomatoid mesothelioma). She dealt so very bravely with what is a truly unforgiving cancer and was an inspiration to me with her legendary stoicism and sense of humour which never once faltered. She was diagnosed in March and despite the latest immunotherapy and radiotherapy sadly the cancer progressed too quickly for her to receive any real benefit. 

HASAG is a charity that supported my mum when she was first diagnosed.

They are based in the south of England and support people like my mum who have received an asbestos-related diagnosis and give them the help and support they need. When my mum received her diagnosis a woman drove all the way from Southampton to central London to meet her, got her a blue badge to make it easier for me to drive her to her treatment and ensured she had all the support she needed. They also fund clinical nurse specialists who work to try and smooth out what can be often a very hectic and arduous hospital schedule once they are diagnosed. 

People who are exposed to asbestos at work aren’t restricted to workmen, but also people like school teachers, social workers (like my mum), clerks, doctors and nurses who have sadly worked for years in poorly-maintained buildings. It’s hoped that the incidence of asbestos related disease will peak soon, after its use has been restricted in buildings since 1999. However this charity is important to ensure those people who aren’t so lucky get all the help they need.