Fundraising reaches the £20,000 milestone

Posted on 17 March, 2021

The campaign to raise funds for a Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist in Norfolk or Suffolk reached a milestone this week when the fund exceeded £20,000.

Historic exposure to the banned substance asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer which often proves fatal and kills sufferers in a tragically short period from diagnosis.

The Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group made up of patients, carers, supporters and volunteers, alongside representatives of Ashtons Legal, embarked on a fundraising campaign back in 2019 to employ a specialist nurse in either Norfolk or Suffolk. There are currently just two specialist nurses based in the Eastern region - one at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge and the other at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. Not having a mesothelioma nurse in Norfolk or Suffolk means many sufferers living in those areas have a very difficult, and sometimes impossible, journey to get the specialist nursing support they need.

The provision of specialist mesothelioma nurses lies with Mesothelioma UK (a cancer charity specialising in asbestos-related diseases) but funds are understandably hard to come by. These nurses make a big difference to the lives of sufferers. They are experts in all issues related to mesothelioma, including prevention, treatments, clinical trials and finances, and work with clinical teams to ensure equitable access to the best treatments in the UK. It costs approximately £60,000 to fund a Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist for two days a week, over a two year period. Thereafter, the post is funded by Mesothelioma UK.

To donate towards the Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist fund for Norfolk or Suffolk go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anglia-asbestos-disease-support-group.

Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group meets monthly in Norwich. Please contact Vicki Clover on 07738 730830 if you would like to join our friendly group.

We like going to the support group and find there are other people to talk to who understand our situation. We enjoy the company and the activities we do some months. People also share what treatments are available and how to get them.

AADSG group attendee
So pleased I found this group for my mum and my family. Keeps us positive through hard times and it's so good to share experiences.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
It’s great to get professional advice from some of the nurses who come along to the meetings.

AADSG group attendee
The social connections with other people who are in the same situation is a real benefit to the group. The feeling that you are not alone in dealing with this horrible disease.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
We look forward to our monthly meetings as we enjoy the various activities that are arranged for us to take part in, and the general companionship and friendships of everyone.

AADSG group attendee
I have found the group very supportive and helpful, discussing with others the journeys we all go on. It seems that treatment is improving through different trials that are now available.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
I appreciate the various speakers who have come along to the group meetings as well as the different activities that are organised to take part in.

AADSG group attendee
I’m very proud to be part of this group and I hope I can pass on my experience of caring for someone with Mesothelioma with those who have it now.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
It’s a very supportive and friendly group - I hope my experience helps others in some way who are also on this journey.

AADSG group attendee
Having the monthly meetings with guest speakers has been really beneficial.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
The support group has allowed me to meet other people with the same condition and be able to talk about the diagnosis and way forward. The help and support is invaluable.

AADSG group attendee
The help and support, and contacts with professionals in the health and social sector is a real benefit of the group.

Carer of a Mesothelioma patient
Being able to discuss ways of controlling pain with others in the same situation has been really useful.

AADSG group attendee

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