June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund goes independent
The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund is pleased to announce its relaunch today (December 14) as an independent charity to raise awareness of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, fund research, support individuals and their carers and campaign around the Action Mesothelioma Charter (see below).
June Hancock was brought up in Armley, Leeds , in the shadow of the JW Roberts asbestos factory. Her mother died from mesothelioma; when June herself contracted the disease, she brought the company responsible to the courts, and secured a landmark victory against them in 1995.
The Fund was set up by June's family and friends ten years ago, shortly after her death. It has raised more than £400,000 , mostly in small donations from those personally affected by the disease. It has funded a patients' helpline, research in Leicester , Glasgow , London and Cardiff , and has supported multi-professional educational and information events across the country.
Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer with no known cure. Two thousand people die of the disease in the UK every year, and death rates are rising due to the widespread use of asbestos in buildings up to the 1970s. The disease can develop five decades or more after exposure.
June's daughter and Fund trustee Kimberley Stubbs said: “My Mum came to know many special people throughout her illness and legal battle, from barristers to journalists, from solicitors to health professionals, from legal secretaries to other individuals suffering from mesothelioma. She would often speak proudly and fondly about the wonderful friendships she had made.
“Many of these friends were involved in setting up the Fund in June's honour and spirit. The fact that the Fund goes from strength to strength is testimony to the profound impact that she had on all who knew her and loved her. The dedication and commitment of these wonderful people is overwhelming, and deserving of the highest recognition and appreciation. Like June, I feel privileged to call them my friends; together we continue June's battle for justice”.
The Fund has been associated with the British Lung Foundation for two years. Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “I would like to congratulate the JHMRF and its trustees on this new phase in its development and wish it well in its future independent form. Both the JHMRF and the British Lung Foundation will work on raising funds to give to medical research into mesothelioma to try to make progress in treatments and alleviate the suffering of patients.”
For more information about the JHMRF, see www.junehancockfund.org , email (to follow), telephone 07711 969223. For more information about the BLF, please contact Kerry Kalcher on kerry.kalcher@blf-uk.org (0207 688 5564)
The Action Mesothelioma Charter is supported by mesothelioma campaigning groups around the UK . It provides a focus for the Action Mesothelioma Campaign and is the result of the Mesothelioma Summit, a meeting organised by the British Lung Foundation of all parties with an interest in mesothelioma in the UK .
The Action Mesothelioma Charter
We believe people with mesothelioma, and their families, have a right to:
1. a speedy and accurate diagnosis, supported by a Multi Disciplinary Team discussion.
2. good quality information from a variety of sources available in different media and languages
3. support of a suitably qualified nurse and other Multi Disciplinary Team members throughout their illness
4. be considered for the best possible treatments available with the support and input of a Multi Disciplinary Team
5. have up-to-date advice on benefits and help in applying for them, and receive prompt payment of benefits
6. have legal advice and guidance from a firm of solicitors experienced in mesothelioma claims
7. guidance on end of life decisions and care at home
8. provision of a consistent nationwide service from coroners using a clear and open process with a maximum case length of three months.
We call upon the Government to:
9. have mesothelioma made a national priority by the Cancer Tsar
10. fund good quality research, alongside other national bodies, on mesothelioma with a view to improving diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for patients
11. support the production of clinical Guidelines on the best practice of diagnosis and management of mesothelioma
12. ensure the Health and Safety Executive vigorously enforce existing regulations on asbestos
We call upon all employers to:
13. prevent future exposure to asbestos by providing a safe working environment with all necessary equipment to protect employees.
14. work with unions and individuals to ensure enforcement of current regulations to safeguard all employees.
15. identify all asbestos in their properties and organise its safe removal where practical or necessary when work is being carried out.
Notes to Editors
1. The aims of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund are to:
- Encourage and sponsor vital epidemiological research into the causes of mesothelioma
- Contribute to clinical trials with novel drug therapies for mesothelioma
- Raise awareness of the disease amongst healthcare professionals and the public at large
- Provide good quality up to date information and advice for mesothelioma sufferers and their carers
- Campaign for delivery of the Action Mesothelioma Charter
2. The British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity working for everyone affected by lung disease. The charity focuses its resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today; and works in a variety of ways (including funding world-class research) to bring about positive change, to improve treatment, care and support for people affected by lung disease in the future.
Respiratory disease is the second biggest killer in the UK (117,456 deaths in 2004) after all non-respiratory cancers combined which only account for slightly more deaths (122,500 deaths in UK in 2004), claiming the lives of one in five people in the UK . Death rates from respiratory disease are almost double the European average and the 6th highest in Europe . Respiratory disease is the most commonly reported long term illness in children and the third most commonly reported in adults. One in 7 boys and 1 in 8 girls aged 2 – 15 report having long term respiratory illness in England.
14 December 2007
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