Last Wednesday (8 March 2023), Novum Law’s specialist asbestos lawyers Brigit Nolan and Alison Sayers were lucky enough to attend the 2023 Mesothelioma UK Ladies Lunch in Manchester.
The Ladies’ Lunch is held annually on International Women’s Day and is a chance for people to come together to raise awareness of the growing number of women affected by the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Over 100 attendees from a wide variety of different backgrounds came together for the event this year, including mesothelioma patients and their friends and families; representatives from Mesothelioma UK and other asbestos support charities; specialist mesothelioma law firms such as Novum Law; and other friends of the mesothelioma community.
The lunch was kindly hosted by the previous Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK Lorraine Creech, who has remained part of the mesothelioma community since retiring from her nursing role last year.
Attendees were treated to a drinks reception and a delicious 3 course meal, followed by an auction and raffle to raise funds for Mesothelioma UK, which included a M&S hamper donated by Novum Law.
In true party fashion there was music on the accordion by John Jones MBE, who has raised over £200,000 for hospices and charities. Guests also received goody bags with fantastic gifts including chocolate, perfume, and bottles of fizz.
As well as enjoying the meal and a catch-up, the Ladies’ Lunch also offered a chance for attendees to learn about recent developments in mesothelioma care and treatment.
This included an informative presentation about the work of the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, based at the University of Sheffield. There was important information about palliative care, different types of treatment and support available for mesothelioma patients, and a special thanks to everyone at the Research Centre for the vital work they do.
Attendees also listened to a moving speech from the inspirational and brave Helen Bone, a mum of 3 and specialist nurse who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2021 at the age of just 38. Helen spoke about her life before diagnosis and her journey through treatment up to now, which she details in her blog, ‘It is What It Is’.
Brigit says:
“Thank you to Mesothelioma UK for hosting the Ladies Lunch, which offers an opportunity to enjoy the special occasion of International Women’s Day while raising awareness of women’s experience of this devastating cancer.
“Novum Law is a proud member of Mesothelioma UK’s legal panel, a group of the leading specialist asbestos disease lawyers in the UK, so we get to see the incredible work they do on a daily basis. It was particularly moving to hear from Helen Bone about what it’s like to be such a young woman with mesothelioma today. We also had a lot of fun catching up with other guests, including fellow lawyers and members of support groups such as SWASAG, with whom we work closely.”
“Alison and I had a fantastic time, and are already hoping to come along next year!”
You can find out more about Mesothelioma UK by visiting their website here.
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