Memorial plaque honours victims of asbestos-related disease

The Mayor of South Tyneside has been presented with a plaque in memory of those who have died from the asbestos-linked cancer mesothelioma.
Aileen OBrien, second left, and Anne Craig, presenting the Mayor and the Mayoress,  with the memorial plaque.Aileen OBrien, second left, and Anne Craig, presenting the Mayor and the Mayoress,  with the memorial plaque.
Aileen OBrien, second left, and Anne Craig, presenting the Mayor and the Mayoress, with the memorial plaque.

Aileen O’Brien, who lost her brother Terry Smith to the disease in 2013, and Anne Craig, one of the founding members of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF), presented the Mayor, Councillor Richard Porthouse, with the memorial plaque for display in Jarrow Town Hall.

The plaque, created by local artist Alan Ball, will be displayed in Jarrow Town Hall for a short time to help raise awareness of the disease, before moving onto its next location within the borough.

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Coun Porthouse said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating illness that has touched the lives of many people and their families in South Tyneside.

“I knew Terry well and the Mayoress and I were honoured to be presented with this plaque by his sister, to help raise awareness of this terrible disease.

“It is important that we remember those who have lost their lives to mesothelioma and to help keep this issue in the public eye.

“The plaque will take pride of place in the Town Hall and I would encourage people to learn more about this asbestos-linked cancer.”

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Mrs O’Brien, a member of the MKMRF, said: “My brother was a friend of the Mayor and attended the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund’s support group for sufferers. This plaque is dedicated to all the sufferers and their families of this terrible disease.”

For further information about the Mesothelioma Self Help Group, contact Anne Craig on 0191 4838255.