This Volunteer Week we are shining a spotlight on our wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without their support, they truly are amazing.

Denise has been a valued member of our volunteers since 2020 when she sadly lost her father to mesothelioma. She works tirelessly in her community through her role as one of our community ambassadors and event volunteers, within this she volunteers her time as a community spokesperson and collection tin distributor for Mesothelioma UK.

“I continue to regularly empty Mesothelioma UK collection pots locally and since December 2022, I became involved with the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panel at the Mesothelioma Research Centre at Sheffield University. Last year I enjoyed attending the annual patient and carer day in Brighton and once again helped to manage the Mesothelioma UK stall selling Christmas cards & Meso items.

“Following on from Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD) in 2022, where I hosted a mesothelioma awareness table in East Surrey Hospital. I initiated and have helped set up a new patient & family support group run by LASAG and supported by the CNS nurses, which started in February this year.

“Through my connection with LASAG I most recently helped to put more hats on heads to help raise greater awareness of mesothelioma and The London Asbestos Support Awareness Group.

“On the 20th April, LASAG had a number of local children from Earls Colne primary school near Colchester, running in the TCS Mini London Marathon. My friend Jule Harries was delighted when I asked her if she would entertain making and decorating hats for LASAG and the children and teacher running the event in central London. Jule once again rose to the challenge and made 36 blue bowler hats branded with the LASAG logo plus a stunning gold top hat for the teacher which cleverly incorporated eye-catching blue cornflowers (from the LASAG logo), asbestos warning signs and workmen wearing safety masks! The children ran the 1 mile route raising awareness and funds for the charity.

“When Jule made the lung hat for Mesothelioma UK in 2022, she wore it whilst swimming as part of her One Hundred Hats Challenge. Jule completed this challenge last year and was a finalist in the ‘JustGiving Creative Fundraiser of the Year’ awards.

“Jule has since embarked upon Another One Hundred Hats Challenge, this time doing 100 park runs wearing a different hat each time. She has already offered to make an asbestos-themed hat to wear and run in during AMD week this year which I am excited to see!

“I will support her and continue to raise awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma, which I am passionate about and do so in memory of my lovely Dad who passed away 4 years ago in March.

Thank you so much to all our volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to find out more information, reach out to us at fu*********@*************uk.com or 0800 169 2409 (Option 2)