Clair York Set To Launch A Coffee Morning Support Group For Those Affected By Asbestos-Related Diseases

A woman whose husband died from an asbestos-related disease will keep his legacy alive when she launches a support group to help others who have been affected by the same condition.

Clair York, a 61-year-old former teacher from Uckfield, Sussex sadly lost her husband Brian York after he was exposed to asbestos whilst working as a physical education teacher and head of year at Imberhorne School in East Sussex.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell’s specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers are helping Clair with her case against East Sussex County Council for whom Brian worked for 29 years. She’s now working alongside the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (HASAG) to launch the coffee morning group at the Civic Centre in Uckfield, East Sussex on Tuesday 13 February.

HASAG provides free support, guidance and information to people with asbestos diseases and the charity runs regular coffee morning support groups across the South of England, South East, London and Home Counties.

Clair’s support group will be attended by key people from hospitals and hospices from Tunbridge Wells, Hayward’s Heath, Eastbourne, Brighton and Hastings, where they will provide advice and help to sufferers, families and friends.

Clair said: “While nothing can bring Brian back, I believe setting up this support group in his memory will bring some closure and positively change the lives of others who have been affected by asbestos through no fault of their own. The awful legacy of asbestos exposure continues to negatively impact on so many people, and I know just how much support groups like this mean to those affected and their families and friends.”

Expert Opinion

“I am delighted that Clair has decided to link up with the HASAG team to ensure that individuals and their families are able to access the essential support they need in an informal environment.

“Following the devastating loss of her husband from exposure to asbestos working as a teacher, it is incredible to see Clair making such a difference on behalf of all asbestos victims.

“At Irwin Mitchell we act on behalf of many families who have lost their loved ones as a consequence of exposure to the deadly dust and I am sure that the new support group, through the commitment of Clair and the team from HASAG, will prove to be a great success for those in the region suffering from asbestos-related disease.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Lynne Squibb, co-founder of HASAG, said: “We’re very excited about the new venture, and really looking forward to working with the lung cancer nurses across East Sussex and South West Kent.”