The Forum of Asbestos Victims' Support Groups are working with other organisations and charities by marking the day with a series of public events throughout Britain.
To raise awareness of the the terminal cancer, a short film has been produced:
Mesothelioma- The Human Face of an Asbestos Epidemic...
Our message is clear: AWARENESS - PREVENTION - ACTION
The film will be played at meetings throughout Britain and can be viewed via the internet at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLTDknLVm4A
Here are some details about some of the Forum of Asbestos Victims' Support Group meetings occuring to mark this important day:
Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group
Balloon release in Albert Square 12:30 p.m. to raise money for mesothelioma research and treatment. Donations may be sent to GMAVSG, Windrush Millennium Centre, 70 Alexandra Road, Manchester M16 7WD.
Public Meeting 13.00 pm, Friends Meeting House. Speakers: Health Minister Andy Burnham MP; Rory O’Neill editor Hazards Magazine.
Contact: 0161 636 7555
Merseyside and Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Groups
Meeting at Liverpool Town Hall attended by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Mayor of Wirral at 12:00 noon
Followed by a sponsored balloon release at the rear of the Town Hall in Exchange Flags at 2 p.m. with proceeds going to mesothelioma research and treatment.
Contact: 0151 236 1895 (Merseyside) and
01928 576 641 (Cheshire)
Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST)
Asbestos meeting at Winding Wheel, Holywell Street, Chesterfield 11 a.m.-12:00 noon. Followed by a balloon release in Rykneld Square, Chesterfield at 12:30 pm; tea and coffee to follow at the Winding Wheel.
Balloon release at Leicester Town Hall at 12:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service.
Contact DAST: 01246 231 441
Sheffield and Rotherham Asbestos Group (SARAG)
Balloon release with speakers at 11 a.m. at All Saints Square, Rotherham to raise money for mesothelioma research and treatment.
From February 26- March 10, there will be a SARAG display in the Central Library, Doncaster.
Contact SARAG: 0114 282 3212
Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF) (Newcastle)
Balloon release on Gateshead Millennium Bridge at 11 a.m. followed by refreshments.
Contact MKMRF: 0191 2630276
Ridings Asbestos Support and Awareness Group
Asbestos rally at 11 a.m. in Victoria Square, Leeds (opposite Leeds Town Hall)
Followed by sponsored balloon release to raise money for mesothelioma research and treatment at 12:30 p.m.
Contact: 0131 231 1010
Clydeside Action on Asbestos (Glasgow)
Details of the Glasgow event are awaited.
Contact: 0141 552 8852