Thousands of men and women who have lost their lives to asbestos related diseases were remembered at a memorial event held by Clydeside Action on Asbestos in Aberdeen.
Phyllis Craig MBE Chairperson of CAA stated:
In the UK alone there are around 5000 deaths from asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma each year. Globally, it is estimated that 100,000 workers die each year of an asbestos related disease
Everyone attending this event will have lost a loved one, a friend, or colleague. Asbestos related disease affects our neighbours, our communities and is harming the people of Aberdeen. It is vital that we remember all those who have died because they were exposed to this deadly substance. Their loss of life cannot, and must not, go unnoticed
Phyllis continued:
This is a particularly difficult day for the families attending the memorial, and many tears are shed. However, CAA and those that attend feel strongly that there should be an annual memorial event to bring people together to remember loved ones, and to remember those across the globe that continue to die
Mr Richard Baker MSP added:
The use of asbestos in our communities will be with us for many years to come, and lives will continue to be lost. Mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer are illnesses that are affecting lives in Aberdeen now, and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. It is important that we remember those who have lost their lives, and ensure that there is support available to those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition
Clydeside Action on Asbestos holds a monthly support group meeting in Aberdeen. Mrs Evelyn Collie, Director of CAA and support group member said:
I have received so much support from CAA and from the other support group members in Aberdeen. My husband, Bob Collie died from mesothelioma and several members of the support group also died during the course of his illness. We all support each other and work together to try to move forward. I don’t know how I would have coped without this support
Chris Gordon, lead solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors has witnessed the impact that a diagnosis of mesothelioma has on a family:
I speak to families every day who are struggling to come to terms with a recent diagnosis of mesothelioma, or the loss of a loved one. Their grief, caused by the negligence of employers, must not be forgotten.
This year the memorial was held on Monday 24 April at Johnston Gardens.
Many thanks to everyone who attended and to those who wanted to attend but were unable to do so due to ill-health.
Special thanks go to Mr Harry McKenzie and Mrs Doreen McCoid who laid the wreaths this year.
