Newcastle father-to-be calls for more action over Asbestos after terminal cancer diagnosis

There are calls for the Government to take more action over the levels of harmful asbestos still found in buildings all over the UK.

We've been talking to Newcastle teacher Chris Willis - 3 years ago he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma - a terminal cancer caused by inhaling Asbestos particles.

At 32 - Chris is one of the youngest people in the UK to be diagnosed with the disease, as it's usually found in older people.

He tells us - he believes he was exposed while at school in Kenton, and he's determined for more people to be aware of the dangers:

"Not just in schools, but in office buildings, hospitals, you know... it was generally classed as an old person's disease; working down the docks or in the mines etc...

"Or electricians or builders, but when you look at it there's more doctors now getting diagnosed with it - teachers, students, cleaners,

"Because they're the ones working in these old buildings.

"Teachers putting pins into noticeboards and the walls, and breathing it in. Tiles getting broken on the floor or the ceiling and inhaling in the dust."

Chris and his family are now expecting the birth of his first child, later this year, and he says it's a bittersweet thought;

"It's a double edged sword,

"At one point you're absolutely delighted because if this hadn't occured I would have expected to have started a family earlier,

"But there's always that element in the back of your mind about...

"What'll happen if you don't see your newborn son or daughter? What happens if you only get six months with them?"

Chris is currently part of a two-year trial of a new drug to combat the cancer, but says, when the funding comes to an end - he's looking at impossible costs of £13 000 per session of the drugs, which he takes every 2 weeks.

Chris tells us he believes the cancer was caused by exposure to Asbestos while he was at school in Kenton, over 10 years ago.

He is currently taking action against Newcastle City Council in relation to this, but explains, it's not about the potential for money;

"Whatever happens with this case, whether I win or not - there's no money that would give me my life back."

"It's just about making people aware of the dangers of asbestos and trying to give a little tap on the shoulders of the Government to show they need to be doing something about this."

Newcastle City Council say they are aware of the claims, but can't comment further for legal reasons.

You can find out more information about Mesothelioma and Asbestos safety from the Charity who have supported Chris - Mesothelioma UK.