By backing our charities, we're making sure cancer sufferers will have the help they need in years to come.

This year's show, called Out of this World, is raising cash for The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF) and Cancer Connections.

MKMRF, based in Wallsend, North Tyneside, provides information and support to sufferers and their families and raises funds for research into Mesothelioma through the British Lung Foundation.

Mr Knighton's widow Chris, who founded the research fund, said: "MKMRF really appreciate the support given to the fund by the people of South Tyneside.

"Deaths from asbestos-related disease are rising at an alarming rate and the region is one of the hardest hit areas.

"Many of these people have simply done no more than an honest day's work and are paying with their lives.

"Most people in South Tyneside either know someone who's been affected by asbestos disease or are suffering from it themselves; making mesothelioma the biggest health disaster the world has seen."

As well as funding research, MKMRF has campaigned to have Alimta, the only licensed drug available to help treat mesothelioma, available for everyone and they haven't stopped there.

Mrs Knighton added: "Since the fund began in 2002, we have actively campaigned and won to making Alimta available to all it may benefit, along with funding two major research studies into the disease.

"We are calling on the Government to help fund a National Centre for Asbestos Disease in the UK.

"At present there is virtually no Government funding and research is mostly funded by the victims themselves."

Out of this World is our 10th annual show and is on at the Customs House in South Shields, on July 13 and 14.

For more information about mesothelioma, fundraising or donations contact Chris Knighton at MKMRF, c/o British Lung Foundation, Sir G B Hunter Memorial Hospital, The Green, Wallsend, NE28 7PB, e-mail c.knighton@mkmrf.org.uk, call 263 7386 or visit www.mickknightonmesorf.org

Out of This World is being sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors, Asda in Boldon, Colmans, Barbour, and Smithson Jewellers with Nomination Jewellery.

Tickets are £10, including a goody bag, and prizes are up for grabs.
For tickets and details, call the box office on 454 1234.