Charities fighting cancer merge together

Two charities working for lung disease are officially merging today (June 1 2005), it has been announced.

The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund (JHMRF) is merging with the British Lung Foundation (BLF), to work together to raise awareness of mesothelioma, the asbestos caused lung cancer, and to secure much needed research into the disease.

The Leeds-based June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund (JHMRF) was established in memory of June Hancock, who contracted the disease after growing up near an asbestos factory in Armley.

Since it was founded in 1997, shortly after June's death from mesothelioma, the Fund has raised £250,000; awards by the Fund have financed the National Mesothelioma Helpline and supported important research projects in Leicester, Glasgow and London including the pilot project for the MSO1 trial.

The British Lung Foundation is the only national organisation working for people with every lung disease, including mesothelioma. It is hoped that the merger, which will see the name JHMRF continue, will give a louder voice to this devastating disease, which killed 1,848 people in 2001.

The two organisations will be part of the coalition of organisations and individuals across the UK campaigning for better awareness of mesothelioma on the first national Mesothelioma Action Day in February 2006.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the BLF said: "We are delighted that JHMRF is merging with the BLF and look forward to working with them and taking forward all the good work they have done. It is vital that something is done to stop more needless deaths from this horrid disease."

JHMRF Trustee Kimberley Stubbs, June's daughter, said: "In partnership with the BLF we will become an even greater force in the fight against mesothelioma. I am very pleased that we have made this positive step and I know my Mum would be very proud that we have come so far and for us to be part of this national organisation."

For more information please contact the British Lung Foundation Press Office
on 0207 688 5555 or visit www.lunguk.org or Vanessa Bridge (JHMRF) on 07711 969223

1 June 2005

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