Mother-Of-Two Speaks Out To Raise Awareness Of Terminal Cancer Caused By Asbestos

A former nurse who was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, is speaking out to raise awareness of the disease on Action Mesothelioma Day (July 3).

Kalliopi Copley, 68, known to friends and family as Popi, from Wickersley in Rotherham, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2012, and is determined to raise awareness of the terrible disease, which is responsible for the death of more than 2,500 every year in the UK.

Action Mesothelioma Day is an annual event held on the first Friday of July and brings together mesothelioma sufferers, victim support groups, charities, clinicians, researchers and legal experts to raise awareness of the terminal cancer.

The mother-of-two believes she may have come into contact with asbestos while working at Moorgate Hospital in Rotherham and Doncaster Gate Hospital, as a trainee, and at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, where she worked as a matron for 16 years.

She instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate how and where she was exposed to the deadly dust and fibres and the legal team has now issued legal proceedings against Secretary of State for Health.

Martyn Hayward, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Asbestos-related diseases are the biggest occupational killer of all time and mesothelioma kills over 2,500 people in the UK every year, often affecting people decades after they were exposed to the material.

“It’s well-known that asbestos was installed in public buildings like hospitals in the 1960s and 1970s and it is vital on Action Mesothelioma Day we raise awareness of the risks the substance poses and the reality of living with mesothelioma.

“We have now issued legal proceedings Secretary of State for Health in Popi’s case and we hope to be able to provide her with the answers she needs about how and where she was exposed to asbestos and why more was not done to protect her.”

Popi, who has been married to her husband Walter for 44 years, said: “My mesothelioma diagnosis was absolutely devastating and to think that I am suffering with this terrible disease as a result of going to work every day simply added insult to injury.

“Now my main priority is to raise awareness of mesothelioma and the horrendous impact it can have on victims like myself.

“Asbestos is still present in public buildings like hospitals, schools and universities and this must be removed and made safe otherwise more and more people will have to go through what myself and my family are at the moment.

“It is fantastic to see the work being done on Action Mesothelioma Day to raise awareness of the disease and to give sufferers hope that people are dedicated to finding a cure for this terrible disease.”

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.