Patient & Carer Day is an annual event which is organised by Mesothelioma UK. This year’s event took place at The Leonardo Brighton Waterfront Hotel, Brighton on Friday 5th October 2023
The event is a chance for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families to meet with medical professionals from around the country who come together and report on what is happening within the mesothelioma world. Talks dealt with issues including diagnosis, trials, and support.
This year SWASAG took 35 patients, carers and family members from the South West up to Brighton by coach.
The coach left at 10am from Truro on Thursday 4th October 2023. Pick-ups were arranged in Plymouth and Tiverton before the journey to Brighton. We arrived in Brighton at around 5pm, the group had a restful evening before the conference the following day.
Friday 6th October saw the start of the patient & carer day several talks were given starting with a welcome from Professor Nick Maskell, Chair of Mesothelioma UK Board of Trustees. The day was broken down into 4 sessions including, Care, Treatment, Campaigns and Research and finally Innovation.
These sessions were brought by several speakers including Mesothelioma UK Head of Nursing Leah Taylor, Professor Dean Fennel, Associate Professor Crispin Hilley and Liz Darlinson to name a few.
Eric Jonckheere a sufferer of Mesothelioma received a standing ovation for his emotional insight of his and his families journey with Mesothelioma alongside signed copies of his book “Asbestos: My war with the Devil’s dust – A family Story
The event was brought to a close by Leah Taylor, Leah gave a little insight into the amazing work they carry out within the different regions around the country. The day finished around 4.30pm another long but very rewarding day.
The day was followed by the annual Mesothelioma UK awards evening, which had a Beach theme.
This was a wonderful evening of dining, dancing and fun including a golden ticket prize.
The coach returned to the South West on Saturday 7th October, everyone was very tired but so very much more informed about what is happening and what is available around the country for those fighting mesothelioma.
SWASAG would like to thank all of those who supported the organisation and funding of the event.
