South Swindon Parish Councillors joined residents, representatives and support organisations at Queen's Park for Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Residents and sponsor representatives paying their respects
From left: Cllr Janine Howarth, Cllr Pat Herring, Cllr John Firmin and Cllr Linda Kasmaty
Mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and other organs, is sometimes referred to as the Swindon Disease because of its prevalence among former Railway Works workers who handled asbestos.
The awareness event took place at the Mesothelioma Memorial Garden, with a large number of people gathered to remember those affected by mesothelioma, raise awareness of the disease, and show their support for families and communities impacted by it.
Queen's Park is managed and maintained by South Swindon Parish Council.
Parish Councillors Janine Howarth, Pat Herring, John Firmin, Linda Kasmaty and Sam James attended to pay their respects.
The awareness day was hosted by RWK Goodman as part of HASAG's 20 for 20 series, and speakers were Rachel James, Partner at RWK Goodman, Lisa Bello from HASAG Asbestos Disease Support, former Queen's Park Community Council Chair Stan Pajak, Deputy Mayor of Swindon Cllr Gayle Cook South Swindon MP and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Queen’s Park Cllr John Firmin said: “South Swindon Parish was pleased to host the event in Queen's Park at the Mesothelioma Garden.
"First opened in 2003, it was refurbished in 2024 using a plan made by Richard Pinchon, our Head Gardener. The garden provides a space for reflection and remembrance.”
Heidi Alexander said: “It was an honour to take part in an event at Queen’s Park recently to mark National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
"As a local MP and as Transport Secretary I often speak proudly about Swindon’s industrial past and the central role that the railway works has played in the life of the town.
"I am aware though that for some people, this came at profound personal cost.
"It was a beautiful event at the Mesothelioma Garden and it was also an opportunity to say thank you to HASAG Asbestos Disease Support for supporting people in our town over the last 20 years.
"A big thank you too to RWK Goodman for helping organise the event, Lizzy Bakes HQ for some delicious refreshments and South Swindon Parish Council for maintaining the park and the garden so well.”
South Swindon Parish Council member Janine Howarth joined Heidi Alexander MP, Deputy Mayor of Swindon Cllr Gayle Cook, and RWK Goodman client Jeanette Eaglestone in releasing ceremonial doves as an act of remembrance.
The event brought together residents, campaigners, support organisations and local representatives to remember those who have lost their lives to mesothelioma, support those currently affected and continue raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
South Swindon Parish Council would like to thank RWK Goodman and HASAG for organising the event, and everyone who attended to remember and show their support for those affected.
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