Mesothelioma UK is supporting the remarkable fundraising challenge of Nottingham-based cancer patient, Liam Bradley. Liam is walking the 140 miles from Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town Football Club, to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, starting on 25 November and arriving in time for the Premier League game between the two sides on 30 November 2024.
Nottingham Forest fan, Liam and his work colleague, Ipswich fan, Mike Goodchild, will be joined by a variety of friends and colleagues as they walk the 140-mile route to raise money towards a £10,000 target, whilst increasing awareness of the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. He will be walking with work colleagues from Bauder, the leading manufacturer and roof experts for commercial flat roof systems in the UK.
The money raised will be donated to Mesothelioma UK, the national charity, whose mission is to be there for anyone affected by mesothelioma. To donate to Liam’s challenge, please visit the JustGiving page and follow the instructions.
Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. There is currently no known cure.
Liam was just 30 years old when he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in February 2017 after coming into contact with asbestos whilst working in the roofing industry. Liam is currently having regular scans but no treatment. He is still symptom-free, and his scans are showing no new growth of the cancer.
Liam Bradley said: “We are doing this walk to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for the amazing charity that is Mesothelioma UK, who rely solely on donations to fund nurses and to help patients and carers.
“The understanding of the dangers of asbestos in the construction industry and beyond hasn’t really shifted over time. It can potentially impact anybody, so I’m committed to helping people to educate themselves about the danger that asbestos poses. I’d love to see a day when asbestos is removed from public buildings completely.”
Liz Darlison, Chief Executive of Mesothelioma UK, added: “Liam is an incredibly courageous young man, and this challenge is the latest in a selfless campaign to help promote and support the charity, whilst raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos, particularly in the construction industry. All of us at Mesothelioma UK will be wishing him safe travels and hope that the game is a fitting finale for his week!”
Image credit of Liam Bradley on his bike to Newark Advertiser.
