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Graeme and I were looking for a coast to coast challenge walk for this year and agreed on The Great Glen Way. 

John also wanted to do so both in memory of Alastair Ault, who died in January this year having battled bravely and defiantly for 4 years against what is still the virtually untreatable disease of Mesothelioma or, 'asbestosis'  as it is perhaps more commonly known and, his Mum who died in 2014 again from the effects of Mesothelioma. 

Mesothelioma is a condition that can affect anyone who has had the bad luck to have previously come into contact or, worked with, asbestos before its health dangers were fully formally acknowledged in the 1980's and 1990's. Its effects may lie dormant for years or, as in Alastair's and Johns Mum's cases, decades afterwards. 

In Alastair's case he came into contact with asbestos while serving in  the Royal Navy in the 1960's as an Engineer in ships engine rooms. In John's Mums case, she had unknowingly been in contact with asbestos while working for only a few months as a young women helping manufacture gas masks at the start of WW2. 

Sadly and in particular, this disease can affect anyone who has come into contact with asbestos while having worked prior to the 1990's in the Engineering and Construction related Industries. This includes those who worked on site in the Lightning Protection and Electrical Earthing contracting industry. 

Alastair had completed The Great Glen Way walk a few years ago, while he was still able to and so, Graeme and I agreed it was a good idea to choose this walk as our next challenge and at the same time attempt to raise money both in Alastair's name and, in memory of Johns Mum.

Mesothelioma is only relatively recently recognised as an industrial disease and cases are on the increase and not expected to peak until the 2030's. Relatively little research has taken place in terms of combating this disease so, through this Charity's good work resources can be directed to help start this urgent work while at the same time supporting those diagnosed with what is a terminal condition and their loved ones at a time of greatest need. 

Graeme and I hope you will be able to support this noble work to some extent, despite these difficult financial times . In any case thank you for your time in reading this page and hope we can at least carry your good wishes for completing our near 90 mile walk starting 13th September 2016.

THANK YOU

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