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Fund will raise cash in Bob's memory
AN Eastbourne family have set up a charity in memory of a loved one, who died from the devastating disease mesothelioma.
Chris Dennis and her family from Eastbourne have set up the Bob Tolley Mesothelioma Snowdrop Fund in her father's name after he died from the cancer of the lining of the lung in September 2006.
Bob was 67 when he died and left behind his wife of 48 years, Betty, five children and seven grandchildren.
Chris said the family decided to set up the Snowdrop Fund, part of umbrella charity the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, so they can raise money for research into the disease.
She said, "We did not even know what mesothelioma was when my dad was diagnosed, so were devastated when we found out.
"There is no cure for this disease, and no government funding for research to find one. We feel passionately that more needs to be done to find treatments for mesothelioma and eventually a cure."
Mesothelioma can develop up to 40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.
Bob was exposed while working as a gas fitter on gas conversions in the 1970s.
Chris said, "My dad used to have a medical every year as part of his job which he always passed with flying colours.
"He was a very fit and healthy man. He was still working when he went to the doctor with a cough and he could not believe it when he was finally diagnosed with an industrial disease.
"At the time he said he was relieved it was not lung cancer but when we researched the disease we found out that it is much, much worse than that."
Chris found out about the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund when she turned to its web-based forum to gain support from other families who have lost loved ones to the disease.
She said when she saw the charity was encouraging members to set up their own memorial funds she knew it was something the family would want.
Chris Knighton, founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, said, "I am delighted Chris and her family have set up this fund in her dad's name.
"When I came up with the idea for Snowdrop Funds I wanted to give other people the opportunity to raise money in memory of a loved one who has died from mesothelioma.
"This will be a lasting legacy which will help make a difference for those diagnosed with this disease in the future.
"By pooling the new Snowdrop Funds we will be able to make a real impact on research into the disease.
"There is no government funding available for mesothelioma research so every penny we raise counts. We hope that these funds will give hope and promise to all who take part."
The Bob Tolley Mesothelioma Snowdrop Fund has so far raised more than 1,000 and there are now plans for a golf-themed fundraising day at Eastbourne United Football Club on Saturday September 20.
The evening event will start at 7.30pm at the Oval in Channel View Road and will include a disco, auction, raffle and buffet with a golf tournament taking place at Horam Park Golf Club during the day.
Further information on the Bob Tolley Mesothelioma Snowdrop Fund is available at www.bobtolleyfund.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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