Widow launches mesothelioma support group

8:30am Monday 15th September 2008

A CREWE widow has announced plans to set up a support group to help those affected with mesothelioma.

Gill Willcocks will create the Dave Willcocks Asbestos Victim Support Group, after her husband died from devastating cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma in October last year.

Dave was 61 when he died from the disease, which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

He was exposed to the deadly dust while working for ICI at the Wallerscote works in Northwich, Cheshire from 1970 to 1973.

While caring for Dave, Gill vowed to help other people affected by mesothelioma by providing more information and advice on the disease.

Her plans were announced at the inquest into her husbands’ death, held in Crewe this week at the Municipal Buildings before Coroner for Cheshire Nicolas Rheinburg.

She said: “Whilst caring for Dave I decided that I would start a support group for asbestos victims in my area so I can share my experience.

“My aim is help other people to get information they need to help them through this most distressing time.

“I felt it was poignant to announce my intentions on the day of Dave’s inquest to bring home to people how asbestos can destroy the lives of families across the UK.”

The group will help anyone in the South and Mid Cheshire and Staffordshire areas who have been affected by asbestos related diseases, helping families to gain practical support and advice.

It will also put victims in touch with experts that can help them apply for benefits and compensation.

Gill said the group will meet regularly to provide a warm and friendly environment for sufferers and their families to meet and share their experiences.

She added: “We want to provide an environment where those suffering from asbestos related diseases and their families can gain support on a practical and emotional level.

“We will raise awareness about asbestos related disease and will campaign to improve access to treatments, benefits and compensation.

“Asbestos related diseases aren’t going away but we hope by setting up this group we can alleviate a little of the devastation they cause.”