Regional law firm Withy King has started a support group for people with mesothelioma – known as the Swindon disease – and other asbestos-related illnesses as well as their families and carers.
The support group, which is run by the firm’s Swindon office, was launched at a wreath-laying ceremony organised by Withy King at the Mesothelioma Memorial Garden in the town’s Queen’s Park to mark National Action Mesothelioma Day.
The event was attended by patients, families and friends of victims as well as the Mayor of Swindon Councillor Eric Shaw, representatives from Prospect Hospice and other local charities, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Coroner’s office.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It widely linked to past asbestos exposure and became known as the Swindon disease due to the large number of victims who had worked in the town’s former railway works.
The support group’s first drop-in session was held a few days later at Bake n’ Roll Café. Sessions will now be held at the same venue from 2-4pm on the first Wednesday of every month.
Drop-in legal advice sessions will also take place from 9am until 2pm on the same day at Withy King’s offices in Regent Street.
Helen Childs, a partner at Withy King who specialises in mesothelioma compensation claims, said there was a need for a new support group in Swindon.
She said: “Last year, around 2,500 people in the UK were diagnosed with mesothelioma and this number is expected to rise. Swindon, with its strong industrial heritage, is home to many of these patients who have suffered life-changing illnesses as a result of being exposed to asbestos at work.
“We know that patients and their families cope better with these devastating illnesses when they can share their experiences and harness the support of others who have been through a similar ordeal. We hope that this new group will go some way toward achieving these aims while also providing access to a range of useful support services.”
For further information about the group, contact Helen Childs on 01793 847777 or email helen.childs@withyking.co.uk
Pictured, from left: Withy King partner Helen Childs, Kay Ewing, Sandra Barnett, Dr Suzanne Bartington and Wesley Ewing
