A Glasgow shipyard worker who spent 25 years campaigning for victims of asbestos has inspired a new clothing range which aims to continue spreading awareness whilst honouring his contribution to the fight against asbestos.
The range, launched by Glasgow-based clothing brand Finnieston, includes a shipyard-themed T-shirt featuring Bob Dickie’s initials. Five per cent of the proceeds will go to the Clydebank Asbestos Group, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by asbestos exposure.
Bob Dickie, a former worker at the John Brown shipyard and one of the founding members of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, sadly passed away in October of last year but was instrumental in driving legislative change to support sufferers of asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma.
In 2007, Bob proposed petition PE1006 Mesothelioma (Prescribing) on behalf of the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) to the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee after Alimta, a form of chemotherapy, was refused to mesothelioma patients on the grounds of its cost.
Bob also gave evidence to the committee himself, gaining support from leading NHS oncologists, noted Scottish politicians and legal experts. His successful campaign led to Alimta being prescribed for mesothelioma patients in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Finnieston brand, inspired by Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage, has committed to donating all profits to good causes that support working-class causes and the community at large.
Founder Ross Geddes said: “Since we launched in 2020, it’s been a priority to represent the shipbuilding industry in a way that reflects both the pride and the challenges of that heritage. We were once the best in the world at what we did, but we also know the lasting impact asbestos had on workers.”
“Members of my family were involved in the industry, and Glasgow wouldn’t be what it is today without it, so it’s important to honour the workers who built the ships that defined an era,” he added.
“We’re proud to have created a shirt that pays tribute to one of their founding members, and a legend of Clyde shipbuilding past in Bob Dickie, and raising money and awareness for an important cause.”
Jamie Clark, Bob Dickie’s son-in-law, recalled Dickie’s pivotal role in both his personal and professional life in a short documentary created by Finnieston to accompany the launch: “Bob spent his whole career at John Brown’s shipyard, starting as a store boy and working his way up to convener. He was always passionate about workers’ rights and remained active in the Clydebank Asbestos Group well into his 90s.His greatest achievement was advocating for the successful passage of the Pleural Plaques legislation in the Scottish Parliament, ensuring it was written into law.”
Raising more than £12,750 for charity Action on Asbestos over the last three years, Finnieston dropped their new line, including the Bob Dickie inspired shirt, on October 1. The new items are available to buy now at its Shawlands and west end stores. The items are also available online and can be viewed here: Finnieston Clothing.com/collections/
Source: Shipyard worker who campaigned for asbestos victims inspires new clothing range
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Asbestos Disease Claim UK
Although non-cancerous, asbestosis leads to difficulty breathing as the lungs struggle to provide sufficient oxygen to the bloodstream due to excessive scarring caused by inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibres.
Asbestosis is life-altering for sufferers and often has the ability to develop into lung cancer. The true extent of asbestosis sufferers in the UK is unknown as the term is often misused to refer to any type of asbestos-related disease.
As with all other types of asbestos-related disease, once a person has been diagnosed with asbestosis, they should promptly seek legal advice with the view to pursuing a compensation claim.
Other types of asbestos-related diseases includes Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Solicitors for Asbestos Exposure
At Asbestos Awareness, we are dedicated to informing, educating and supporting people in relation to asbestos-related diseases.
This website is managed and maintained by Bridge McFarland, and our highly skilled personal injury solicitors have extensive expertise in assisting clients who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases in securing compensation.
To speak to a member of our team, please call 0800 987 8809 or email info@bmcf.co.uk.
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