Remembering lost loved ones (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Remembering lost loved ones

A member of the congregation at the service at St Mark's Church on Sunday afternoon Ref: 99443-27A CHURCH built using cash from the Great Western Railway was the fitting venue for a memorial service.

Almost 100 people attended yesterday's service at St Mark's in honour of those whose lives were cut short by mesothelioma.

The condition also known as the Swindon disease is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Many of the victims are former railway workers who handled the material without any protective equipment.

Among the speakers was Les McGovern, 72, of Thames Avenue.

Ironically, Mr McGovern was a health and safety officer.

He was diagnosed with the condition in 2002. Since then his health has deteriorated.

Mr McGovern was sent to inspect premises which contained asbestos.

His former employer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has never admitted responsibility.

Mr McGovern said it was important to remember those who have died.

"I started working with asbestos as a 16-year-old apprentice," said the grandfather -of-four. "People had no idea how dangerous it was in those days. I used to pick asbestos up. Equipment that I used every day was packed with the stuff."

This was the third year that the church which is near the Railway Village and the former railway works had hosted the memorial service.

Father David McConkey said Swindon should remember its past.

"The economy of Swindon is based on the railway works," he said. "We should appreciate what these people did for this town."

The Swindon and Southwest Asbestos Charity established in 2003 organises the annual service.

Industrial disease solicitor, Brigitte Chandler, founded the charity.

She has helped win compensation for thousands of Swindon folk over the past 30 years.

Mrs Chandler said: "A lot of the people who came to this memorial are widows of former railwaymen.

"This group was set up to help the many victims of asbestosis and mesothelioma.

"Sadly, we will carry on seeing the effects of the Swindon Disease for at least another 20 years."

Anyone wanting to contact Swindon and Southwest Asbestos Charity can call Brigitte Chandler on 01793 511055.

Kevin Shoesmith