Terry Farrell. Ref: 23993-67A MAN whose brother died of the notorious Swindon Disease, mesothelioma, has welcomed a workshop to help people cope with it.

The meeting, organised by the Swindon and South West Asbestos Group, is to help those suffering with asbestos problems deal with the breathlessness that comes with the condition.

Terry Farrell, 69, of Walcot, who lost his 68-year-old brother Michael to the condition in 2001, said the meeting was a good idea.

"Awareness is a problem and this will help," he said.

"Knowing there are other people out there suffering the same and having their support would have been a big help to my brother. I think it's a nice thing for people.

"We didn't know anything about the dangers of asbestos and the more people learn about it and how to deal with it the better.

"I lost my brother three years ago and saw a giant of a man come down to eight stone and it's very sad.

"I'm in favour of anything that will help them."

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer and there is presently no known cure.

It can take up to 50 years after the exposure to asbestos to develop.

People may have chest pain, breathlessness and loss of appetite and weight from the illness, which can be fatal.

Industrial disease lawyer Brigitte Chandler, of Charles Lucas and Marshall, who is a founder of the Swindon and South West Asbestos Group, said: "I think it's going to be very beneficial for people.

"We have got over 50 people coming so far and three very experienced nurses who will be able to offer practical help with breathing exercises.

"It's an opportunity for people to talk to others to see how they control their symptoms and it's often nice to talk to others in the same boat.

"I hope it will be a help to all."

The meeting, on Wednesday May 25 at 10.30am, will be held in the Upper Room in Regent Street and will be followed by lunch.

It will be addressed by specialist nurses who have trained to deal with breathing problems.

The nurses will give a practical demonstration on how to control breathlessness which comes from asbestos disease.

All asbestos sufferers and their families are welcome. For more information phone Ms Chandler on 01793 511055.