Posted on July 12, 2018
It was an honor to join London Asbestos Support Awareness Group (LASAG) for Action Mesothelioma Day on Friday, July 6th in the United Kingdom.
The day began with a remembrance Chapel service followed by speeches at the Guy’s Hospital. It was a beautiful ceremony of remembrance and thanksgiving for Mesothelioma Warriors and their loved ones.The hymns, poetry and prayers that were read throughout the morning reflected a sense of hope, strength and comfort for these families. We then lit candles in remembrance of all the Mesothelioma Warriors.
After the service we gathered at Guy’s Hospital to have a brief conference with speakers who included John and Beverly Giles, Professor James Spicer, Marika Townsend, LASAG Trustee Christine Stephens, and others. It was an privilege to join LASAG to present “21st Century Advocacy: Ending the Asbestos Man-Made Disaster” which brought attention to the latest challenges in our national efforts to ban asbestos.
Throughout the UK, others gathered in remembrance, solidarity, and action.Below is a list of just some of the educational and memorial events that took place throughout the United Kingdom.
Action Mesothelioma Day Events 2018
- Asbestos Awareness and Support across Wales
- Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK
- British Lung Foundation
- Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group
- Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team
- Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group
- Hampshire Asbestos Support & Awareness Group
- June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund
- London Asbestos Support Awareness Group
- London Hazards Centre’s
- Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support
- Mesothelioma UK
- One Stop Mesothelioma
- South Yorkshire Asbestos Victims Support Group
In addition to AMD, each day has been packed with meetings to build on collaborative efforts for prevention and policy. I met with US journalist, physicians, and occupational safety and health professionals. The highlight was special visit with Mavis and Ray in Whistable. That was the first time the three of us shared a private visit without the distraction of events and others. We laugh, cried, and strategized together.
The last day of my trip was spent at the LASAG Support Group Meeting in Canterbury. I witnessed firsthand the impressive support group in action as Warriors gathered to connect, share, and learn. LASAG’s Marika and Allison, Meso UK’s Louise, and Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist Tony, who offered a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and support. We all missed Mavis and Ray that Tuesday, as they had a previously scheduled Mavis Nye Foundation meeting.
Together, we are making change happen – all over the world.
In unity,
Linda
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