IN VIEW of the large number of asbestos-related deaths in the York area over the years, it is gratifying to hear that a range of York organisations including City of York Council and Askham Bryan College are endorsing a campaign launched by the Health and Safety Executive to highlight awareness of mesothelioma – a form of lung cancer (The Press, October 9).

It is not only former employees of the carriageworks who have come into contact with this disease – plumbers, electricians, plasterers, builders, heating engineers are also at risk of the consequences of ingesting asbestos dust.

Reflecting the need for public research funding, mesothelioma is described as the Cinderella Disease in relation to other research funded cancers. An e-petition has been set up on the government’s petition website calling for long-term funds for research into asbestos-related diseases.

If 100,000 signatures can be posted then this issue can be considered for debate in parliament. Surely, 100,000 signatures nationwide is not a lot to ask.

I urge everyone, particularly those whose lives have been affected by the loss of a loved one due to this cruel disease to go online and sign this petition at epetitions.direct.gov.uk and search for mesothelioma and also ask friends and family to do the same.

J Stockdale, Glen Avenue, York.