Lawyers from Novum Law’s Swindon office joined forces with specialist nurses from the oncology team at the town’s Great Western Hospital (GWH) to raise hundreds of pounds for Mesothelioma UK – the charity supporting victims of asbestos diseases and their families – by running the Bristol Half Marathon.
Known as the Swindon Disease due to the numbers who have been affected in the town, mesothelioma kills thousands of people each year in the UK.
Among those taking part were Graeme Chisholm, who specialises in asbestos disease claims at Novum law and has conducted dozens of claims for people from Swindon who have contracted mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.
He said: “As professionals who have dedicated their working lives to helping asbestos victims and their loved ones, it’s great to do this and raise money for a charity that does such vital work.
“We set out to raise £500 but it looks like we might get closer to £1,000 thanks to the generosity of all those who have supported us.”
Specialist lung cancer nurse at the GWH Rachel Smith added: “Every day my colleagues and I see the devastating impact that mesothelioma can have on patients and their families. It’s great to do something like this to raise awareness and money for a good cause.”
Mesothelioma UK is a national resource centre dedicated to providing specialist information, support and improved care and treatment to the victims of the horrendous asbestos-related cancer.
The illness kills an estimated 2,500 people each year in the UK alone – a staggering statistic, leaving thousands of victims and their families completely devastated. Mesothelioma UK relies totally on donations, legacies and fundraising to fund its work.
Donations can still be made by visiting the half marathon runners’ ‘Make-a-difference’ JustGiving page.
Pictured: The team after completing the Bristol Half Marathon
