More than 50 people attended a special memorial held by Clydeside Action on Asbestos in memory of those who have died from an asbestos related disease. Phyllis Craig MBE, Chairperson of Clydeside Action on Asbestos stated:
It is important to remember all of the men and women who have died in Aberdeen and beyond from asbestos related illness. There is a misconception that asbestos related disease is confined to our industrial past, but we must recognise that people in our communities are still dying from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer. Asbestos related diseases do not belong to a bygone era; these illnesses are destroying lives right now. This is clearly evident from the number of people attending this event today. We must never forget those who have died, or the families and friends who live with the loss of a loved one.
Mesothelioma, a tumour in the lining of the lung, is a terminal illness. Far from being an illness confined to the past, the number of people being diagnosed continues to rise each year as it can take an average of 20 to 40 years for an asbestos related condition to develop following exposure. Mrs Phyllis Craig MBE continued:
It is because of length of time between being exposed to asbestos and the development of an asbestos related disease that asbestos related disease will continue to blight peoples’ lives for many years to come.
Mr Jim Inglis, who has asbestosis, has lost many friends to asbestos related disease. He stated
I go along to a monthly support that was set up in Aberdeen by Clydeside Action on Asbestos four years ago. I have lost so many good friends to asbestos related disease during this time. I want the extent of asbestos related disease in Aberdeen, and in Scotland as a whole to be recognised, so that the support and services can be put in place to ensure that people can get the best possible help.
Mr Chris Gordon, of Thompsons Solicitors attended the event and spoke of the importance of raising awareness of the current numbers of people affected by asbestos related illnesses:
I have seen a substantial increase in the number of cases that we have for people who have an asbestos related illness, many of whom have the terminal illness, mesothelioma. However, we are not only seeing an increase in numbers, we are also seeing many younger people, and many more women with mesothelioma. This memorial event highlights the reality of losing a loved one to asbestos related disease and serves as a stark and poignant reminder of the lasting harm caused by the negligence of employers who allowed their workers to be exposed to asbestos.
CAA would like to pass on our thanks to all those who attended and especially to Mrs Evelyn Cattanach and Mr Jim Inglis who laid the wreath of remembrance.
© Many thanks to Chris Sumner, Chief Photographer and Aberdeen Evening Express for kind permission to use their photographs.
I attended the memorial service with my dad, I have to say I was apprehensive due to the fact my job in the nhs is with oxygen service,I have sadly seen many families at a loss by the devastation Asbestos related diseases cause, however I was truly touched by the bond this group has formed through CAA, I would like to express my thanks to all Involved as it has brought comfort to my dad and help to know he is not alone and for that I am truly greatfull