Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group celebrates its eighth anniversary

Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group (AADSG) is celebrating its eighth anniversary today. The group supports patients who are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, as well as their carers and families.

Set up in 2016, the group’s inaugural meeting was hosted by founders Terry Vine and Brian Wallis. Terry was inspired to set up the group following his own Mesothelioma diagnosis, and Brian sadly lost a family member to the disease and is a long-time campaigner for Mesothelioma UK (a cancer charity for anyone affected by mesothelioma).

AADSG was established for individuals in East Anglia suffering the effects of exposure to asbestos, including conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening, and pleural plaques.

Regional law firm, Ashtons Legal, has sponsored the group since its inception providing the venue, lunches, presenters and invaluable knowledge to attendees in each session.

While the group has lost some special friends over the years to these conditions, it continues to welcome new members and has developed a welcoming and supportive community. Not only does it offer patients an opportunity to learn more about their conditions and the help that is available, but it also enables them to gain experiential advice from other attendees.

Fundraising for a specialist nurse

The group has raised over £22,000 towards funding a Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist in Norfolk or Suffolk.

The provision of specialist mesothelioma nursing services by Mesothelioma UK can make a big difference to the lives of patients. They are experts in all issues related to mesothelioma including treatments, clinical trials and finances; and work with clinical teams to ensure equitable access to the best treatments in the UK.

Currently, there is only one specialist nurse based in the East of England, at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. This is a difficult and impossible journey for many sufferers living in central and eastern Norfolk and Suffolk.

Group activities and guest speakers

Over the last eight years, AADSG has enjoyed many events to aid fundraising as well as to build friendships.

Each year, the group celebrates Christmas with a sit-down lunch with all the trimmings. Members have also enjoyed a range of activity sessions including chair yoga, massage therapy, singing, festive wreath making, flower arranging and more!

There have been numerous guest speakers giving advice on treatments, trials, diets, alternative therapies, financial compensation, legal advice and other issues patients and carers may face on their journey.

Future meetings

AADSG continues to meet each month at Postwick Village Hall in Norwich and fundraising efforts are ongoing.

For meeting dates and times go to: www.angliaasbestos.co.uk, or follow the group on Facebook and X (Twitter) for the latest news and updates:

• Facebook – facebook.com/AngliaAsbestos
• X (Twitter) – @AngliaAsbestos

Alternatively, contact Vicki Clover on vicki.clover@ashtonslegal.co.uk or call 01603 703244.