THE widow of a Leeds vicar struck down by asbestos-related cancer is to take part in a day of action to raise awareness of the disease.
SAD LOSS: Rev Peter Jackson with chorister Alison Sharrock, nine, at the Light up a Life service at St Gemma's Hospice in 2005
Peter Jackson was a vicar in Leeds for many years. From 1988 to 1998 he was vicar at St Barnabas church in Alwoodley, and from 1998 to his retirement in 2004 at St Luke's in Holbeck.
He also worked at St Gemma's hospice and after his retirement served there as chaplain.
Mr Jackson was diagnosed with the asbestos-related lung cancer mesothelioma in April last year and died in July aged 67.
As a young man Mr Jackson came into contact with asbestos while working at ICI Wilton in the North East. He became a minister when he was 42.
Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer which can take 60 years to show itself. Death usually occurs within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis.
Mr Jackson's widow Avril will join a day of action on Tuesday.
"This time last year I had no idea what the word mesothelioma meant," she said.
Devastating
"People must realise how painful and devastating this disease is. More people die of asbestos related diseases than die in road traffic accidents and anything that can be done to ensure that people are not exposed to asbestos must be done to prevent more people suffering from asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma."
Workers with a West Yorkshire support organisation for mesothelioma victims and their families, Ridings Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (RASAG), are organising Leeds activities in the nationwide event entitled Action Mesothelioma Day on Tuesday.
The group is planning a balloon release from Dortmund Square at 12.30pm, when 400 red balloons and 100 black balloons will be released. Out of every four victims of asbestos related illnesses one dies from mesothelioma.
Mrs Jackson will be taking part in the release.
Leeds has suffered more than its share of mesothelioma deaths due in part to the activity of the J W Roberts asbestos factory in Armley. The factory closed in 1958 but continues to claim victims from among the former workforce, their families, and people who lived nearby.
Another recent victim of mesothelioma was former Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Edward "Ted" Winpenny. He is believed to have come in contact with asbestos while working at the IMI copperworks at Stourton in Leeds before becoming a Press photographer in 1951. He also lived as a youngster within 500 yards of the J W Roberts factory in the 1930s.
RASAG operates an advice line from 10 am to 4pm Monday to Friday on 0113 231 1010.
