Action Mesothelioma Day - tribute to Abdul Chowdry

The ceremony to mark Action Mesothelioma Day will be held at the Asbestos Memorial in the memorial Gardens opposite the Town Hall. 12 noon, this Wednesday 27 February.

A bench and tree have been donated by friends of Abdul Chowdry.

Sir Bill Callaghan, former Chairman of the UK Health and Safety Commission, has paid tribute to the late Mr Chowdry saying: "I chaired the Health and Safety Commission on which Abdul Chowdry served with distinction from 1999 to 2005. I would like to put on record my appreciation of Abdul's deep commitment to improving health and safety. In particular Abdul played a key role in highlighting the dangers of asbestos.

"My Commission colleagues were shocked by his untimely death. We remember Abdul as a good colleague and a tireless campaigner, dedicated to protecting people at work.

"Abdul and his family are in my thoughts on this important day on which his life and work will be commemorated."

Since the last ceremony was held 12 months ago the HSE estimate that about 2000 people have died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma and about 4000 in total from all asbestos related disease. The trend continues to rise. This is because death from asbestos has a time lag of about 20-50 from the date of causative exposure.

In attendance at Wednesday's poignant event will be the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Everyone is very welcome to attend. There will be refreshments available in the Twon Hall afterwards.

Jason Addy of Save Spodden Valley said: "The gardening staff who look after Rochdale's beautiful town centre gardens have done a wonderful job. Their help and advice in choosing an appropriate tree to complement the surrounding planting schemes has been invaluable. Their hard work is very much appreciated."