In 2007 Laura's dad Dave Phillips was diagnosed with Mesothelioma a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Although he had never worked with asbestos working as a travel agent in London, we are yet still not sure as to where and when he was exposed to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops within the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs. The most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but can also occur in other parts of the body. The pleura is where my dads tumour has developed.

Mesothelioma is a slow growing tumour which can take 20-30 years to develop.  X-rays and CT Scans cannot always confirm that the patient has Mesothelioma  and can only be confirmed after a biopsy and microscopic examination.

Despite treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the disease carries a poor prognosis and is a terminal condition.

Dave recently finished a course of chemotherapy to which unfortunately was unsucessful and the tumour is now growing again. This has meant that he is now undergoing a course of radiotherapy in attempt to slow down the growth but we are yet unaware as to what the outcome of this treatment will be.

So from this, leads Laura and Sue on this quest of physical achievment , Sue is an experienced runner but as for Laura running round the block is a challenge!!!!

We will be Running, Jogging, Walking and Crawling in my case round the Nike Race to the Beat half Marathon challenge from the 02 in London. It's on Sunday 25th September 2011 and we are hoping to raise as much money as we can towards Mesothelioma research.

Remember every penny helps so donate as much as you can or just turn up on the day to show us your support.

Many thanks

 

Laura Phillips & Sue Prcychodny

The Snail Pace Team