MESOTHELIOMA is a global public health disaster. It is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It can develop after minimal exposure and caused by merely going to work. We need to find a cure for this devastating disease.

On Action Mesothelioma Day, February 27, I will be calling for the Government to establish an asbestos-related disease research centre and ask others to support this campaign.

My father, who was a maintenance engineer, died of mesothelioma following exposure at work. It was a distressing, painful condition. To date there is no cure or effective treatment. Following diagnosis there are usually only a few months to live.

The Government spends virtually nothing on research even though over the next 40 years about 60,000 people will develop mesothelioma from past exposure to asbestos.

To date, almost every penny spent on mesothelioma research comes from donations from families like mine who have been affected.

In Australia the situation is different, the Government has created an asbestos disease research centre to develop better treatments for sufferers. In the UK, families of people diagnosed want similar hope. I urge you to write to your MP or call the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team on 01623 748161 and ask to sign the petition calling for the research centre.

You can also sponsor a message or send a donation which will contribute to research and be donated to the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund or the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund. Cheques should be made payable to the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team and sent to: DAST, 44 Patchwork Row, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Notts, NG20 8AL.

If you wish to attend the Action Mesothelioma Day on Friday, February 27, at the Quad in Derby, book your place by calling Joanne Carlin, co-ordinator, Derbyshire Asbestos Trust, 01623 748161. Attendance is free, including lunch.

Margaret V. Bailey,

Pine Close,

Ripley.