Our Director of Ceremonies bought a request to the Lodge for a charitable donation in favour of Mesothelioma UK.
But what is Mesothelioma?
In short words – it is a cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma UK (Meso UK) is a charity that exists to support people with Mesothelioma to live better and live longer, and to prevent Mesothelioma from affecting future generations. This is achieved by advocating for better treatment and care, enhancing quality of life, supporting research, and amplifying the patient’s choice.
Anyone affected by cancer knows how distressing this disease can be, but Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive cancer, there is no cure, and the support for sufferers is limited. Mesothelioma UK provide nurses (think Macmillan) to help those affected. These nurses offer specialist expertise, increased access to clinical trials and very much enhance the quality of life for those living with Mesothelioma.
In Kent, there are just two Nurses (one in East Kent, the other in the West) each looking after approximately 80 patients. Our Charity Steward, Nigel Mann, had the pleasure of meeting Toni Fleming, who is the Nurse that looks after the East of the County.
Toni spoke with great passion about the work that the charity undertakes. As well as offering the medical support provided through Toni and her colleague, Meso UK also provide a freephone support line, a specialist benefits advisor, travel grants to support patients accessing clinical trials, and a dedicated research hub at Sheffield University.
The charity also recognises the voices of those who rightly advocate a prevention of future cases. As such they work very closely with partner organisations to raise awareness of asbestos and to shine a light on the devastating impact of Mesothelioma.
The members of Royal Navy Lodge were humbled to hear of the work that Toni and the other Mesothelioma Nurses accomplish, and we are proud to donate £500 to this amazing charity.
The post But what is Mesothelioma? appeared first on Royal Navy Lodge No. 429.