Group Was Set up Following Death Of Founder’s Father

The North East asbestos support group, set up after the death of the founder’s father, is celebrating its third anniversary this month.

The Paul Redhead Asbestos Support Awareness Group (PRASAG) was set up in October 2015 after the death of Paul Redhead. Paul, who lived in Hampshire, died of mesothelioma in January 2015 

Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs which is invariably caused by exposure to asbestos dust. It can be caused by exposure to small amounts of asbestos dust and it takes decades for the condition to develop.

Paul’s daughter, Samantha Cox, from Newton Aycliffe, received support from the Hampshire Asbestos Support Awareness Group (HASAG). Having found support, strength and comfort from the group, Samantha set up a group in the North East to help those who were suffering from asbestos related disease; and their families.  

Samantha, a qualified counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and has trained with CRUSE Bereavement, said: “Losing dad was a devastating time for me and the whole family. He meant everything to us.

“The help I received from the support group in Hampshire was invaluable and I cannot thank the team enough. That is why I decided to set up the group, in dad’s honour, to help people and raise awareness of dangers and effects of asbestos, particularly in the North East with its strong industrial background.

Fortunately, the group has gone from strength to strength and I am grateful to all those who have helped along the way.”

The group meets twice a month, between 11am and 1pm, on the first Tuesday at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, and the second Tuesday at Morpeth Golf Club, Morpeth. 

The meetings are social and informal in a warm and friendly environment for people affected by asbestos related disease and their carers.

Also in attendance is Leah Taylor, Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist who provides information about Mesothelioma, including symptoms, treatments and clinical trials. Legal experts from PRASG’s panel of specialist lawyers also attend and are available to give legal advice and assistance.

Leah said: “Sam has performed an invaluable service to the region by establishing the group. It is fantastic to see it celebrating its third anniversary. Sam has provided support and guidance for countless people across the northeast with some families travelling considerable distances to attend the groups, testament to the environment provided at each meeting. 

“Mesothelioma is a devastating disease and support groups are vital in helping people come together to share their experiences, I am proud to be part of PRASAG.”  

According to the HSE figures, the number of deaths caused by mesothelioma between 1981 and 2015 in the Tyne and Wear area alone stood at 2,319, with the rest of the North East recording 3,979 across the same period. While the majority related to men, both regions also recorded hundreds of female deaths.

Roger Maddocks, a Partner and head of the Irwin Mitchell asbestos-related disease team in Newcastle, said: 

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“We see the impact on our clients of asbestos, in the work we do, daily, and all too often with fatal consequences.

“Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and incurable cancer and it causes a great deal of suffering to those affected by it, and this extends to their family as well. Exposure to asbestos dust can also cause lung cancer and other asbestos related conditions such as asbestosis and pleural thickening.

“Groups like PRASAG are so important because they provide support, comfort and practical help to those who are affected by asbestos.

“We are proud to work with Sam and the wider group, and I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries of the group.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

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