A Fife charity set up in memory of an MP who died from asbestos-related lung cancer is urging others who need help to get in touch.
The John MacDougall Mesothelioma Trust was set up by relatives of the Central Fife Labour MP who died in 2008 following a long battle with the disease.
His daughter Julie MacDougall manages the group’s efforts to raise awareness of the condition and assist sufferers in the Fife area.
She said: “JMMT is a small voluntary organisation.
“We are campaigning for better treatment for sufferers and for government funding into more research for this disease, for which there remains no cure.
“Dad worked at Rosyth dockyard as a caulker burner in his early 20s and was only diagnosed in 2006.”
The disease affects around 2,500 people a year. It is notoriously difficult to detect and often has a 20 to 50-year gestation period.
The trust successfully campaigned for the Mesothelioma Act 2014 and the UK Government pledged £5 million towards a research centre.
Julie said: “This is vital because compensation does not cure people so the research is crucial to work towards a cure.
“ This is only the beginning as it’s important that the funding goes directly into research.
“We should be holding insurance companies liable and getting them to contribute also to the research.”
She said the trust was delighted that Asbestos Action Tayside had joined it for a ceremony at Rosyth to mark national mesothelioma day at the weekend.
“It’s important that we continue to raise awareness and campaign for better treatment as it is expected that there will be many more cases due to the long gestation period,” she added.
Asbestos Action manager John Fearn said: “It is very important that this event not only remembers the victims of asbestos disease but also serves as a warning to workers of the dangers that exist from a product that is still present in homes, public buildings and commercial properties today.”
Julie is keen to hear from any sufferers and their families, who could benefit from assistance from the charity. Get in touch directly with her on 07918 618206 or email juliemacdougall17@gmail.com
