Welcome & thanks for taking time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am taking part in this years Balmoral 10K & am proud to be running on behalf of Clydeside Action on Asbestos.

Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA) is a registered charity which was formed in 1984 to provide assistance to those who suffer from asbestos related disease & their families.CAA is widely credited as being the first asbestos support group in the UK.The charity has a well established reputation for providing expert advice & information & for campaigning on behalf of those affected by asbestos related disease.

Why have I chosen this charity?Quite simply because the disease has affected my family on more than one occassion.My grandfather died in 1986 at the age of 72 from an asbestos related disease.At the time of his death the effects of exposure to asbestos were becoming more apparent.During his working life in the Shipyards in Aberdeen & in the construction industry he was exposed to asbestos from building materials.Like their father his two sons followed him into the shipyards & construction industries.

My uncle was an electrician & was exposed to asbestos in the shipyards & while working in Donside Paper Mills.He was diagnosed with mesothelioma last year.Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs,the mesothelium.It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. We celebrated his 67th birthday at the weekend & the disease has lain dormant since his time in the shipyards,as it can take 20 to 50 years to manifest symptoms.

My father has recently been diagnosed with pleural plaques.Plaques are small localised areas of fibrosis caused by exposure to asbestos fibres,found within the pleura of the lung.The presence of pleural plagues is an indicator that a person has been exposed to asbestos.

It is worth noting that sufferers come form many walks of life;teachers & pupils exposed to asbestos in old school buildings & women who have laundered their husbands' workwear are just a couple of examples.The diseases affect people worldwide.

Sadly my Uncle lost his battle against this disease & passed away on 1st April,2011.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

All donations whatever the amount will be most appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Gary.