Created working collaboratively with another charity called Lippy People, these videos show some of our service users talking openly about their experiences of being affected by asbestos related conditions and how our charity has helped.
If you would like to submit your story, please get in touch.
As Bad Burnt As Scalded – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Marie’s story from her perspective, looking after and supporting husband Ken, whilst he was coming to terms with an unwanted diagnosis of Pleural Thickening. Marie discusses the effect Ken’s diagnosis has on her.
Keeping Routines Going – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Joan’s story from her perspective, looking after and supporting husband Phil whilst he was coming to terms with a diagnosis of Asbestosis. Joan says: “We are not doing the things we did before, we don’t talk about it, we make the most of what we have left together, our family will support us when the time comes”
‘Building Another Life’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Mike’s story of coming to terms with an unwanted diagnosis. He documents his exposure to asbestos during his time working as a joiner when he left school. Decades later, 20 years after taking retirement he was diagnosed with Asbestosis due to long term exposure. “You’re not going to have the life you had before – you have to adapt and build a new life – and you need help, I’ve found that now”
‘Part Of A Community’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Richard’s story documents his exposure to asbestos, starting out at 15, working short-term contracts before returning to study laboratory science. In his 70’s, after receiving clear results from an xray, more tests at the respiratory department were carried out to show Asbestosis. Richard worked at Cravens where asbestos was sprayed. He mentions the valuable support he receives from the support & social group, saying he feels part of a community.
‘Like It Or Lump It’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Ken’s story documents his exposure to asbestos through working as a belt fitter from the age of 18. In his 80’s and following an x-ray, he received the news that he had pleural thickening. “I feel useless, I can’t do owt now. I’m on my last legs and I have to accept it, its part of life.”
‘I Stopped My List At 50 People’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Johns powerful story of coming to terms with an unwanted diagnosis and being a long-time supporter of our charity. He documents his exposure to asbestos before reading of the dangers reported in the newspaper, and urging ex-employees to be checked out. Following a series of tests he was diagnosed with Asbestosis. Ironically, it was his Dad that sent him to Cravens to work as a carriage builder.
‘I’ve Got That, Must Have’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Phil documents his exposure to asbestos, starting out as a young apprentice in 1954 through to working 28 years on contract until 1982. A shadow on his lung was detected in 2015 then he was diagnosed with ‘Asbestosis’ in 2019, 65 years after exposure. He talks of going home covered in asbestos to feed his baby.
Best Thing I Ever Did’ – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Paul’s story of his exposure to asbestos as a young apprentice before receiving the news that he had ‘Mesothelioma’ in a routine scan 50 years later. “I was really upset, I got home and hugged my wife, had to ring my daughters. I got compensation but it means nothing, I just wish I’d got my health”
We Will Live Life – Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy
Caring, but remaining independent and planning for when he is not here, Sylvia’s powerful story, tells of looking after and supporting husband Mike whilst he was coming to terms with an Asbestosis diagnosis.