I am running in the 2024 Shrewsbury Half Marathon on 29th September to raise money for the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group in memory of my brother-in-law, Chris Lee, who died earlier this year from the disease aged 80.
Chris was a proud socialist and trade unionist. A qualified joiner, he quickly became aware of the dangers that made working in the building industry so hazardous. Through the construction workers’ union, UCATT, he campaigned and organised for better working conditions on building sites. As a result, he was blacklisted for much of his working life by employers in the building trade. Sadly, it was through his work that he contracted the asbestosis that contributed to his death.
In addition to his trade union activities, Chris was also a longstanding member of the Labour Party and held positions in his local branch in Southport through which, characteristically, he campaigned and worked tirelessly for local working people.
Chris was also a wonderful family man who loved his wife, my sister Lou, and his children and grandchildren, providing an example for them to follow. He is hugely missed by them and his wider family and friends who valued his warmth, integrity, understanding, and sense of humour. I am proud to have known him as a brother-in-law and friend.
Every year, there are over 5000 asbestos-related disease deaths in the UK, so please be generous and donate to this worthy cause so that other victims of this terrible disease, and their families, can continue to receive the support and help they need.
