When Rebecca’s father, Errol, sadly passed away from mesothelioma she wanted to do something to support the charity. Since then she’s arranged for her local medieval bridge to be illuminated for #goblueformeso, taken part in research studies, and last year became a volunteer, using her scientific background to create simplified research summaries for our magazine Mesothelioma Matters.
Tell us a bit about yourself
“After studying for my PhD at Cambridge University, I embarked on a career as a Research Scientist. I conduct research to investigate what happens at a cellular level in disease and contribute to the development of new medicines to improve outcomes for patients. Since my PhD I have spent 9 years working in the field of respiratory disease for a large pharmaceutical company and more recently working for a small Biotech company developing and advancing potential medicines through to clinical trials.
“Research is a very long process with many things not going to plan along the way!”
How has mesothelioma impacted your life?
“In 2020 my father sadly passed away from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during his working life as a carpenter. Following his diagnosis in 2019, he relocated to live closer to myself, my husband and my son so we could provide the support he needed. When COVID-19 hit in 2020 being close by was even more important, at least I could easily check in on him and drop off some hot meals with my bicycle delivery service, which he was very grateful of!
“Although we spent time attending appointments and accessing treatment, we also enjoyed making fun memories together which mostly involved; eating (cooked breakfasts and fish & chips), shopping trips to Cambridge and watching his grandson play football.
“I also managed to encourage my father into the world of science when I took him on a tour of the laboratory where I was working.”
Why volunteer for Mesothelioma UK?
“We are fortunate to have Mesothelioma UK funded Clinical Nurse Specialists in Cambridgeshire who provide vital support to patients and their families during hospital appointments and local support groups. Our local Clinical Nurse Specialist was always there at the end of the phone for advice when we most needed it, a crucial service I am sure many patients have benefited from.
“Since my father passed, I have supported the mesothelioma community in some small way. I arranged for our local medieval bridge to be illuminated blue for the #goblueformeso campaign in 2022, I have taken part in research studies with my experience as a carer and in 2023 became a volunteer for the charity.
“I contribute to the ‘spotlight on research’ section in the mesothelioma matters magazine. I read and summarise research articles to find the key information important to mesothelioma patients and their families. It has been very rewarding to utilise my professional and personal experiences to contribute to this and I hope to continue.
“This year I am looking forward to meeting up with other volunteers to share our stories and continue to support the mesothelioma community.”
