RAY Johnson was told he only had 18 months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer caused by deadly asbestos dust.
But 19 months later and Ray, from Horfield, says apart from tiredness, he feels as healthy as ever.
He is now raising awareness about the dangers of being exposed to asbestos fibres for a prolonged time. He wants all employers to offer their staff the correct protection to ensure other lives are not lost unnecessarily.
Ray worked as an engineer during the 1960s, fitting steam pipes filled with asbestos.
The dangers of asbestos were unknown at this time, so Ray would spend his days surrounded by it.
It took almost 50 years for him to realise the damage this had on his lungs.
Illnesses caused by asbestos normally take decades to develop. He said the first sign was a severe, persistent cough.
Ray was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that effects the lining of lungs. He said: “I try to live every day to the full.
“We don’t want to be downbeat. I have already lasted longer than doctors expected.”
Last Friday was national Action Mesothelioma Day.
To mark the occasion a group of sufferers and health workers released doves outside the M Shed, as a symbol of hope for those affected by asbestos.
Among the crowd was the chair of Bristol and Beyond Asbestos Family Support, Sarah Smith.
The cancer nurse specialist, who is based at Southmead Hospital, said around 30 to 40 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in north Bristol each year.
She said: “The illness has an unbelievable impact on the whole family.
“Normally when someone finds out they have mesothelioma other people in the family will have it too.
“When a man used to come home, his wife would clean his clothes and hang them out to dry around the kids. The clothes will still have the dust on, so it would impact on everyone’s life.”
The main symptoms of the illness include a cough, shortness of breath and pain in the lower back.
The 47-year-old added: “It’s important people know about mesothelioma because the earlier someone is diagnosed the more treatment is available.
We need to ensure that Asbestos is managed proeperly
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Source- bristolpost