News Summary
In June and July 2025, Leigh Day’s asbestos team organized charity walks across the UK to raise funds and awareness for local support groups. Starting in Plymouth and covering significant areas impacted by asbestos exposure, the initiative aims to support affected individuals and emphasize the critical community networks in place. The walks served as a poignant reminder of the historical and ongoing challenges related to asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, and reinforced the importance of community involvement in tackling this pressing issue.
Leigh Day’s Charity Walks: Highlighting the Ongoing Battle Against Asbestos Diseases
Throughout June and July 2025, the dedicated asbestos team at Leigh Day undertook a series of meaningful charity walks across key locations in the UK that have been severely affected by asbestos-related diseases. With a mission to raise funds and enhance awareness for local support groups, these walks not only spotlighted the struggles of those battling terminal conditions linked to asbestos but also reinforced the critical community networks that provide essential aid.
Plymouth Walk: A Journey Through History
The initiative kicked off on June 24 in Plymouth, where team members completed a 6.5-mile circular walk through both the city center and historical dockyards. These dockyards were once bustling with former workers who faced high exposure rates to asbestos in the mid-20th century. The funds raised from this walk were directed towards the South West Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (SWASAG), which offers invaluable support to individuals diagnosed with asbestos illnesses across Devon and Cornwall.
Plymouth has become a recognized hotspot for asbestos-related diseases, with the lasting scars of industrial exposure remaining poignant as ongoing diagnoses continue to emerge. The walking route strategically included the Devonport Royal Dockyard, once employing nearly 20,000 workers, bringing forth memories and tales from a time rife with occupational hazards.
East London Walk: Recognizing Community Impact
Just days later, on June 26, the team took their cause to Barking, East London, tracing the steps of those impacted by the notorious Cape asbestos factory. The site has left a considerable shadow over the local community, where numerous lives have been altered due to asbestos exposure. This leg of the charity walk underscored the commendable work done by the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, which tirelessly provides assistance and resources to affected individuals and families.
Participants walked along the river through industrial areas, shining a light on both the historical and ongoing struggles with asbestos. Their efforts remind us that the fight against these diseases is far from over, and community support is vital.
Liverpool/Runcorn Walk: Focusing on Industrial Exposure
On July 15, attention shifted to the transportation and processing of asbestos as the team embarked on a walk through Runcorn and Liverpool. This walk signified the crucial role Liverpool Docks played in the asbestos supply chain, an area with a troubling history of exposure related to various factories. Key locations included the Everite plant in Widnes and numerous dockyards where workers were at risk during repairs and loading activities.
By walking in solidarity with local support groups, the team sought to raise awareness about mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases that continue to challenge the health of many individuals in the region.
Leeds/Manchester Walk: A Broader Coalition
While part of the team focused on Liverpool, others gathered for a fundraiser around Leeds. This included members from Manchester and Chesterfield, covering about 10 km along the picturesque Trans Pennine Trail. Together with representatives from the Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group (SARAG), participants concluded their walk at New Islington Marina, amplifying awareness regarding the impact of asbestos in the region.
Key Contributions and Community Connections
The charity walks uniquely highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding historical asbestos exposure and served to connect individuals affected by these devastating diseases. By collaborating with asbestos support groups, Leigh Day’s asbestos team is not only raising crucial funds but is also establishing vital connections for workers and families navigating the aftermath of exposure.
As the battle against asbestos-related diseases continues, raising awareness and ensuring adequate support remain top priorities. The collective effort from the Leigh Day’s asbestos team and local communities serves as a powerful reminder that while the days of asbestos-heavy industries may be behind us, the fight for justice and support for those impacted is very much alive.
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