The first Friday of July is designated national Action
Mesothelioma Day, drawing attention to this rare form of cancer that is only
caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Over 3,000 people die from Mesothelioma
each year in the UK, most being exposed in the workplace 30-40 years
previously.
Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) assisted over 40
families affected by asbestos cancers last year in Derbyshire alone. We also
helped many others across the East Midlands. We also work to raise awareness of the continuing danger of asbestos. Although the
substance was banned in 1999, the UK imported so much of it in the 20th
century that it is still present in many of our homes and public buildings.
Action Mesothelioma Day is a way of encouraging greater awareness of the
disease and the continuing risks of asbestos exposure.
DAST will mark Action Mesothelioma Day 2018 by planting a
memorial tree at Grassmoor Country Park near Chesterfield. Each branch of the tree will represent
a profession or trade that is commonly affected by asbestos exposure –
plumbers, electricians and teachers for example.
We hope that local people who have worked with asbestos in
the past will join us as we plant this tree. We will be meeting at Birkin Lane
Car Park, Grassmoor, on Friday 6th July at 10.30am. All are welcome.
The tree planting ceremony will be followed by a buffet lunch
at North Wingfield Community Resource Centre. If you would like to join DAST
for the event, please book by telephoning 01246 380415 or emailing mail@asbestossupport.co.uk
To make a donation towards Action Mesothelioma Day, click on this link to be taken to our online donation page at The Big Give:
Twitter: @DAST24
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asbestossupportEastMidlands/
