I attended the Mesothelioma Support Group Meeting on 6th June, which was held by Mesothelioma UK and Greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group and was able to speak to people at the group who had either been diagnosed with mesothelioma or were caring for somebody who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The one thing that was true of all those who attended is that whilst they have been diagnosed with a terrible illness, they are still very positive and are making the most of life.

The session focused around a Tai Chi lesson provided by Marie from East Cheshire Hospice.  Most people joined in with the session which involved gentle exercise but did leave you feeling more relaxed if a little hot afterwards.  Even those who felt unable to stand up and participate, tried to join in from their seat and some of the exercises were specifically for them.  Marie made Tai Chi seem very easy for all those there.

Graham Dring also provided an update on the Asbestos In Schools campaign particularly in relation to Bury Schools and that further information is awaited.

One of the members of the group had contacted the Secretary of State and asked for information in relation to their policy on asbestos in schools.  He had received a response which didn’t provide any definite answers but suggested they would look into the situation on monitoring and would continue to remove asbestos when appropriate.

Once the Tai Chi session was finished and the updates provided, people stayed to enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit and a social chat.  The meetings are not all about asbestos or mesothelioma, it’s also about talking to people about their lives and the things they enjoy doing. Nothing shows this more than the fact the group plan to go on a canal boat trip in August and enjoy some time at The Lowry. 

 

Contact details

Helen Wilson

Telephone: 0161 883 3560

E-mail: helenwilson@thealp.co.uk
Website: www.asbestoslawpartnership.co.uk
FREEPHONE: 0808 164 3730