We are delighted to announce another amazing charity partner for this week’s PA Awards. Mesothelioma UK is a a national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by mesothelioma through expert care, information, and advocacy. Their mission is to improve the lives of those living with the disease today and to help prevent future cases. Founded in 2004 as a Macmillan resource centre in Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, Mesothelioma UK has grown rapidly becoming an independent Charitable Trust in 2008 and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2018. Since that time, the charity has grown significantly and is now well known for the expert services, support and care provided. The Operations Team is based in Mountsorrel in Leicestershire and is now made up of 16 team members including Support Services, Fundraising, Finance and Benefits Support. The charity remains committed to and embedded in the NHS, striving to make the NHS the very best it can be for anyone living with or affected by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer, almost always caused by exposure to asbestos — a danger that is entirely preventable. The UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. It develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer that lines the chest, abdomen, and around organs like the lungs and heart. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lining of the lungs and accounts for 90% of cases. While it’s more common in men, cases in women are rising. This is a cancer that never should have happened — and one that continues to affect thousands of lives across the UK.
What does Mesothelioma UK do?
Specialist Nurses, When It Matters Most
Funding of expert Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialists across the UK, but without that funding unlike other cancers, i.e. lung, breast, prostate etc there would be no dedicated mesothelioma specialist nurses providing that vital care, expertise, and support at the point of need.
A Lifeline for Patients and Carers
Their dedicated Support Line offers clear, compassionate guidance to help people navigate life with mesothelioma.
Benefits Advice That Eases the Burden
Specialist advisors who help individuals and families understand what financial support they’re entitled to – relieving stress at a difficult time.
Trusted, Accredited Information
They produce high-quality, accredited patient information so people can make informed decisions about treatment and care.
Investing in Research and Progress
Funding for audits and research, including through the dedicated Mesothelioma UK Research Centre at the University of Sheffield, to improve outcomes now and in the future.
Making Treatment Accessible
Offering travel grants to ensure everyone can access the treatment they need, regardless of location or cost.
Speaking about the partnership with Mesothelioma UK, PA Forum founder Daniel Skermer said “This is such a wonderful charity to be connected with and we are so pleased to be able support them and the amazing work that they do. For me, there is a personal connection to Mesothelioma with a very dear friend who has been affected by this awful cancer so anything that we can do help and support this charity means a lot to me.”
Liz Darlison MBE – CEO of Mesothelioma UK added “Congratulations on being part of such a wonderful caring forum and thank you for choosing to support Mesothelioma UK, for your generosity and for genuinely helping us to help others. Mesothelioma UK is dedicated to all things relating to the disease. We are particularly committed to working with the NHS and helping to make it the very best it can be for people in their ‘hour of need’.
Partnering with Mesothelioma UK is not just about raising money for us. Sadly, shamefully, the UK, the buildings we live and work in, are still littered with asbestos. There is no safe level of exposure, the more we can do to raise awareness, to talk about the risks and dangers the better. Thank you for bringing this public health disaster into your conversations, for learning and sharing your experiences. It really could save a life empowering people with knowledge about asbestos and the diseases it causes.”
We are delighted to have such a worthy charity on board for this year’s awards and you can help to support their work and raise vital funds by entering our raffle in aid of Mesothelioma UK. Just take a look here at the fabulous prizes on offer and buy your tickets now to be in with a chance of winning