A touching memorial service was held yesterday to remember those who have died from diseases caused by asbestos.
About 50 people congregated at Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen to pay their respects to family and friends who have lost their lives.
A minute’s silence was held in the picturesque grounds before a wreath was laid down in their memory.
Phyllis Craig, chairwoman of Clydeside Action on Asbestos – a charity that helps sufferers and their families across the north and north-east – said events like this were important because the number of cases of people developing asbestos-related cancers was rising each year.
It can take from 20 to 40 years for a condition to develop following exposure.
“There is a misconception that asbestos-related disease is confined to our industrial past,” Ms Craig said.
“We must recognise that people in our communities are still dying from mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
“These diseases do not belong to a bygone era – these illnesses are destroying lives right now and this is clearly evident from the number of people attending this event today.
“We must never forget those who have died, or the families and friends who live with the loss of a loved one.”
Among those in attendance at the service was the family of Bill Gove.
The 67-year-old from Aberdeen died on April 1, 2011, and was the first city branch member to pass away.
The former electrician, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2010, has a plaque with his name on it in Johnston Gardens to commemorate not just his life but all those who have been affected by the disease.
The UK has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, largely because the government permitted the use of asbestos long after other countries outlawed it.
Yesterday, Mr Gove’s daughters – Tracy, Nicola and Gillian – and brother Andy were there to pay their respects.
“We thought dad had a chest infection, but after paying privately for an X-ray when it wouldn’t go away, we discovered it was mesothelioma,” said his daughter, Nicola.
His brother said: “We still attend the Aberdeen branch meetings and have watched other sufferers deteriorate year-on-year. It is incredibly sad.”