Team HJ’s #MoveForMeso has finally arrived in Southampton – not least due to the amazing efforts from Peter Hilditch and his incredible legs cycling over 350 miles! Peter is joined by Lynn Yeates and the two have been busy over the past 5 months establishing and building up the new Southampton office.
Lynn and Peter have considerable experience between them having worked together for over 20 years during which time they have dedicated their professional careers to helping those affected by asbestos.
Being located in Southampton they are very well aware of the many ships that came into the docks carrying cargoes of asbestos from South Africa and have sadly seen the impact that this has had on not just the local folk but people across the country affected by the use of the product.
Southampton, although well known for its magnificent cruise ships and proximity to the New Forest, has historically seen a disproportionate amount of people affected by asbestos due the industries in the local area.
Lynn points out that Fawley Refinery is located right across the Solent and although now closed the Fawley Power Station is situated next door. Train carriages came into depots in Eastleigh for refurbishment and we have heard horror stories of how the carriages were sprayed with asbestos.
Probably Southampton is most well known for the shipbuilding activities that took place in the docks and nearby in Woolston and over the years we have seen hundreds of men and woman who have been affected by the asbestos that was used in the construction and refurbishment of both merchant and navy vessel and of course there is the neighbouring city of Portsmouth with its historic Naval base.
Peter and Lynn have been delighted and honoured to work with the local charity HASAG since 2008 and have nothing but praise for the work that they have done since that time in providing patients with the support, guidance and information they need at such a difficult time in their lives.
Peter says;
“It is such a privilege to be part of a legal and charitable community that is able to truly help those in need. We have had some difficult times and experienced some very sad situations but we have also had times when our spirits have been raised such as when a group of us climbed the O2 including one of our amazing mesothelioma clients and a fantastic fire walk that we all participated in – even if I did end up with a blister!”
