Action Mesothelioma Day - Tuesday 27 February

As Rochdale’s Spodden Valley was the birthplace of the world’s asbestos industry, the Save Spodden Valley campaign have been working with British asbestos victim support groups to raise awareness of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. 

A poignant 8 minute film has been produced: 'Mesothelioma - The Human Face of an Asbestos Epidemic'. This is the story of the disease told by those with first-hand knowledge of it.

The short presentation includes people from the North West, including:

• Andrew Burns: just 37 years old, currently one of the UK’s youngest victims - exposed to asbestos as a teenage apprentice electrician. 
• Yvonne Lowe: exposed to asbestos as a school care taker in the mid 1970s.
• Eric Marsh: exposed to asbestos as an apprentice plumber. 
• Alan Balmer (deceased): This former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory worker is remembered by his widow and daughter.
• Professor Nick Thatcher from Wythenshawe and Christie’s Hospital gives his observations about this asbestos cancer. 

Summary of this Tuesday’s (27 February) Manchester Event

Suffers of this terminal disease and their families will be meeting this Tuesday in Manchester for Action Mesothelioma Day. This event has been organised by the greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group.

• The giant screen in the Triangle (opposite the Arndale) will be playing the film every hour- all day.
• 12 noon there will be a black balloon release from the steps of Manchester Town Hall.   
• 1.30pm there will be a public meeting at the Friends Meeting House with a government minister.

Mesothelioma victims and their families will hold where placards listing the many occupations that have caused asbestos cancer.

Events will be held throughout Britain, including a Parliamentary meeting at Westminster.