Asbestos is the UK's single biggest workplace killer, responsible for over 5,000 deaths each year. Here, we want to share three stories of people affected by asbestos, and hear from them first-hand the devesating impacts exposure can have.
Sue was 56 when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma two years ago. Originally from Yorkshire, Sue lives in the West Midlands with her husband and son.
Sue is working with High Speed Training and Mesothelioma UK to raise awareness of asbestos and of the dangers it holds to everyone.
Liam, 38, lives in Nottingham and was working as a roofer when he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma at the age of 30.
Liam wants to see greater levels of education and training throughout the construction industry, and raise awareness of the impacts that asbestos and Mesothelioma can have on tradespeople, their families and the general public.
Emily-Jane is 41, and from the West Midlands. A mother to two young sons and a young step daughter, Emily-Jane was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in October 2023, after suffering with misdiagnosed pain for over 17 months.
Emily-Jane is working with High Speed Training and Mesothelioma UK to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos and the risk it poses to the public. She would also like to speak directly to healthcare professionals who appear to associate mesothelioma with older generations and are not always capable of recognising and diagnosing this rare cancer.