The Roger Lowe Asbestos Mesothelioma Campaign has been set up in memory of a former electrical fitter who lost his battle against the asbestos related cancer in December 2005, just seven months after being diagnosed.

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest (the pleura) and, less commonly, of the abdomen (the peritoneum). It is an aggressive and incurable form of cancer whose only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

Roger’s wife, daughters and grandchildren aim to use the campaign to raise awareness of mesothelioma and provide vitally needed support and advice for the victims and families of asbestos-related cancers in the south-west.

The campaign will bring together the resources of Roger’s union Prospect and its solicitors, Russell Jones & Walker. It aims to:

• provide a support network for mesothelioma sufferers and their families
• raise more funds for research into mesothelioma
• provide information for those touched by the diseases
• raise awareness of the mesothelioma "time bomb"
• campaign for research into the efficiency of drug therapies and better diagnosis of the disease
• work alongside other organisations to provide a focus for the support available in the south-west of England.

Roger was born and raised in Plymouth and, like his father before him and his eldest grandson after him, worked at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Knowing he had been exposed to asbestos during his time at the dockyard, he took the prudent step of having diagnostic screening in 2003 and got the all-clear. But just two years later, after a severe bout of flu, he was admitted to Derriford hospital where the diagnosis of mesothelioma was confirmed.

Jackie Lowe, Roger’s daughter, explained that their experience with their father highlighted the lack of support for mesothelioma sufferers in the south-west which has been identified as a ‘hotspot’ for asbestos-related deaths. Figures released last year showed that 250 Plymouth residents had died from asbestos exposure in the last 15 years.

She said: "Our family want the campaign to provide a local focus for victims, and their loved ones, for asbestos related diseases and mesothelioma in particular. We aim to signpost them to existing local services and provide access to information they might need.

"Despite Plymouth's appalling record for asbestos related deaths there is no local organisation specifically supporting these people. Dad was surprised there was nothing like this in Plymouth and thought a local organisation, to help support families through similar distressing circumstances and devastating diagnoses, was much needed. Little did he know that it would be his name, as a memorial to him.

"Mesothelioma is a terrible diagnosis to accept, treat, live and die with. My family along with RJW and Prospect want to make this difficult time easier for others to cope with and we know Roger would have wanted this also, not least because some may be his colleagues and mates."

A website to support the campaign is being hosted by Prospect. It contains more information about Roger’s life as well as a forum for people to post questions about mesothelioma or to share their experiences if they or a family member are suffering from an asbestos-related illness. Visitors will also be able access links to other relevant organisations that offer help and advice.

Russell Jones and Walkers have also set up a free 24-hour helpline on 0800 916 9072 to direct callers to the most suitable advice and support.

A meeting to raise awareness of the campaign is also planned to take place in the summer.