I have worked in the asbestos industry for nearly 25 years. It is also 25 years since asbestos was completely banned from import, use and sale in the UK, yet I am still blown away by the scale of the HSE statistics that over 5000 people a year die from asbestos related diseases such as Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma. The exposures causing such diseases are lareglely historic due to the latency period of 10 to 50 years from initial exposure to onset of disease, but it is by no means an historic issue as asbestos is still in our buildings.

Asbestos could be present in any building built before the 1999 ban, and when disturbed can release harmful fibres that can cause these diseases if inhaled. Most exposures to asbestos are preventable with proper management, awareness and safe systems of work. The Mesothelioma death rates have recently revealed a spike for people in occupations you wouldn't expect being exposed to asbestos, such as teachers, nurses etc.

To raise funds for the great work done by Mesothelioma UK, on the 13th July 2025 I am taking part in an alternative Triathlon event called SUPBIKERUN. This involves completing 6km Stand up Paddleboard, 30km Mountain Bike and 10km Trail Run. This will be around Roadford Lake, Devon.

Mesothelioma UK is the national charity for anyone affected by mesothelioma, a preventable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. They exist to support people with mesothelioma to live better and live longer and to prevent mesothelioma happening to future generations. They do this by advocating for better treatment and care, enhancing quality of life, supporting research and amplifying the patient’s voice.