BALLOONS FILL SKY TO HIGHLIGHT SUFFERING CAUSED BY ASBESTOS

To mark Mesothelioma Awareness Day, today in Chesterfield's New Square, balloons were released in memory of all those who have been made ill by exposure to asbestos. Speaking at the event local MP Paul Holmes said:

"Mesothelioma is a common form of cancer caused by asbestos fibres inhaled into the lungs of those who worked in occupations where asbestos was in widespread use. Yet few people are aware of it.

"It is so widespread because asbestos was so widely used in the building trades, engineering, electrical work, insulation, brake linings and a host of other uses.

"The peak in deaths from this cause will only be reached by around 2015 - 2020.

"It is essential that the Government takes action to ensure that previous employers and present Insurance Companies promptly meet their obligations to provide compensation to the employees whose health was destroyed by the negligent exposure of workers to asbestos dust."

Paul praised the outstanding work of the Chesterfield-based Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team who is leading the way in campaigning for local people's rights to compensation and prompt medical diagnosis as well as in pressurising the Government to improve the law relating to Mesothelioma.

Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) offers a free, confidential service to anyone with an asbestos related disease or their families. If you are told you have an asbestos related disease, then please contact DAST for an appointment on 01246 231441 or email them at mail@asbestossupport.co.uk

Further information about the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team and the Action Mesothelioma Day can be found at www.asbestossupport.co.uk