Cllr MacLaren welcomes ‘Go Blue for Meso’ events in Renfrewshire

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“It is great to see Renfrewshire Council once again getting involved in the Go Blue for Meso campaign, helping to put a spotlight on the asbestos disease – Mesothelioma”, said Councillor Kenny MacLaren. 

  

Go Blue for Meso is a campaign to light up your home, workplace or prominent landmark to help put a spotlight on mesothelioma – a disease caused by exposure to asbestos, that deserves more attention as it hasn’t gone away.  It is estimated that around 85% of schools, 90% of hospitals and many other public and private buildings may still contain asbestos.   

Fewer than 10% of people with mesothelioma survive beyond 3 years in the UK, with the majority dying within 6 months of diagnosis.  The act of lighting up your home or focal point in a village, town or city is a way to raise awareness, to remember loved ones who have sadly died of mesothelioma and to acknowledge those living with the disease.   

This campaign is organised by Action Meso who want to show the world that there is no more time to waste in raising awareness and taking action against this tough cancer. Go Blue for Meso will therefore be using Action Mesothelioma Day on July 7, 2023, to light up buildings around the UK, as it’s about time the disease gets the attention it deserves.   

Councillor Kenny MacLaren added: 

“As a former employee and volunteer with Action on Asbestos (formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos), I am well aware of the horrific disease of mesothelioma and welcome this campaign by Action Meso. 

 ”More people die from exposure to asbestos than die in road traffic accidents per year.  Over 2,700 people per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma and it is a type of cancer that is entirely preventable. 

 “We have to remain vigilant to the dangers of asbestos which is still present in many buildings, and raising awareness of mesothelioma through this campaign will help with that. 

“I am delighted that Renfrewshire’s Provost – Cllr Lorraine Cameron – has indicated that arrangements are in place to light up the Bascule Bridge in my ward as part of this campaign, as well as Renfrew Town Hall and Houston Square bandstand”.