Bloglines - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Cyclists Receive Support on 1,200 Mile Journey

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Cyclists Receive Support on 1,200 Mile Journey By JBream on Malignant Mesothelioma Three cyclists riding 1,200 miles to raise awareness about asbestos-related diseases are receiving support from those impacted by asbestos illnesses along the way. Katrina London, Paul Glanville and Jason Addy departed June 20, 2009 from Glasgow, England and will conclude their journey July 4 in Southampton. The three activists are riding to raise money to be donated to the search for a cure for asbestos-related cancers. During their journey, the cyclists will deliver a petition to the Canadian consulate in Birmingham, calling for an end to the mining of asbestos in Quebec. They will also stop in London to meet Members of Parliament who are campaigning for increased asbestos awareness. The cyclists have already stopped in Derby, England and received a warm welcome from those affected by asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Valerie Pepper, whose husband passed away from malignant mesothelioma two years ago, greeted the group upon their arrival in Derby. Pepper noted the importance of raising money for mesothelioma research, stating, "There's lots of money spent on research into other cancers, but very little on mesothelioma. If you don't do research, you won't know if there's a cure." Cyclist London said the group has met "amazing women who have lost their husbands and then channeled their energy into campaigning and fund-raising." One such woman is Carol Anthony who lost her husband to mesothelioma four years ago and now serves on the committee of a mesothelioma research group at a Leicester, England hospital. Prior to departing on the 1,200-mile ride cyclist Addy said, "It will be tough going as we will be cycling up to 100 miles a day, but it is for a very important cause and promises to be a breathtaking journey to raise awareness of the legacy caused by asbestos." Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.