Campaign for local cancer support

Roger Lowe was an electrical fitter at Devonport Dockyard

The family of a Devon man killed by a work-related cancer is campaigning to help local victims and families.

The Roger Lowe Asbestos Mesothelioma Campaign was set up in memory of a Devonport Dockyard fitter who died of the asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable form of cancer whose only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

The family claims it causes about 250 deaths a year in Plymouth and they feel it is important to have local support.

The campaign also aims to educate, raise awareness and encourage more research into the efficiency of drug therapies and better diagnosis.

Dormant disease

Daughter Jackie Lowe said: "Despite Plymouth's appalling record for asbestos related deaths there is no local organisation specifically supporting these people.

"Dad was surprised there was nothing like this in Plymouth and thought a local organisation, to help support families through similar distressing circumstances and devastating diagnoses, was much needed.

"Little did he know that it would be his name, as a memorial to him."

Mr Lowe's trade union and solicitors are also involved in the campaign.

Debbie Brewer from Plymouth who contracted the disease from her dockyard worker father launched a support website earlier this month called Mesothelioma and Me.

The disease can lie dormant for up to 40 years, but when the symptoms of manifest themselves, it is usually fatal within two years.