Fundraising roundup

Karen Wright has raised an amazing £32,000 since she lost her father Derek Hoult, aged just 64, in November 2001. He had been exposed to asbestos in the course of his work. Her most recent fundraising event, a charity music night at Birmingham City Football Club, generated a staggering £2,200. For more information about her fundraising activities, please see our website.

An art exhibition and sale of paintings organised by the Dalmeny Art Group at the Priory Church in Queensferry was a celebration of the life, achievements and talent of Bob Cleland, who died of mesothelioma in 2009. Attended by his wife Moira, his children, grandchildren, neighbours and friends, the event also raised £1,126.14 for the Fund.

When Claire Heath’s father was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she wanted to do something positive, and started planning a 25 mile bike ride with four friends to raise money specifically for mesothelioma research.

Well she did it! A team of nine riders – the youngest of them just five years old – all completed their targets; the very youngest joined in for ten miles and the older children completed 20 of the 25 mile route.

Claire and the team had a lovely day, were blessed with good weather, and raised over £1,850. A wonderful achievement – thank you to all involved.

Jane Moore organised a fundraising event in memory of Stuart Smith, and as a result donated £2,012.50 to the Fund. Family and friends were involved, as our photo shows; the day included an auction of promises, a BBQ, family activities and a band in the evening.

In April 2010, Kevin and Janet Weston saw their son Russell complete a marathon race. Within months, Kevin had died from mesothelioma just two years after being diagnosed.

This April, Russell completed the same event in a personal best time of three hours and 20 minutes, supported by family and friends. They raised over £1,000 for the Fund.

The Weston family fundraising effort doesn’t stop there; as we went to press, Russell’s brother Daniel and his friends were planning to do the London to Brighton bike ride, also in aid of the Fund.