Lung disease victims remembered

Mick Knighton died seven months after being diagnosed

A vigil is being held on Friday to raise awareness of the hundreds of people who die of asbestos-related illness in the North East every year.

Latest figures show 635 from the region died from the disease mesothelioma, between 1999 and 2003.

Christine Knighton, of Wallsend, lost her husband Mick, 59, who was in the Navy, to the disease in 2001 and has raised more than £100,000 for research.

She will lead a vigil on the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead at 1600 GMT.

Mesothelioma affects the membrane lining of the chest and leads to symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain.

Symptoms can first appear within 10 years of exposure to asbestos, and there is no cure for the condition.

'Silent epidemic'

Mrs Knighton set up the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund after she lost her husband who was exposed to asbestos throughout his career.

She said: "Mesothelioma is a truly dreadful disease that devastates the lives of sufferers and their families."

Those at highest risk of developing the disease are vehicle body builders, plumbers, gas fitters, carpenters, electricians and shipyard workers.

Neil Wilkinson, who is an industrial diseases expert at the Newcastle office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, will join Mrs Knighton for the vigil.

He said: "Mesothelioma is a silent epidemic sweeping across this region. We will remember those who have died from it.

"What's important now is that they should be properly compensated."