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As much as it may be tempting to believe that the need for asbestos awareness training is a thing of the past, there are always fresh tales that come to light that reveal the present significance of asbestos awareness training to be larger than it has ever been. An example of such a case is that of a former marine engineer from Wardley, Gateshead, who, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive type of asbestos-related disease, was successful in his court battle for compensation. Colin Thorn, a father of three, was diagnosed with an incurable form of lung cancer in December of 2013. This news came after he had spent a significant portion of his life working for the Ministry of Defense, which has acknowledged that it is responsible for the fact that he was exposed to asbestos while he was serving in that capacity. In the course of his employment with the mod from 1971 to 1995, he was exposed to the fibers when he was repairing pipes on a variety of boats and while he was performing cleaning operations on board nuclear submarines. Thorn referred to himself and his wife, Deborah, as having been “knocked for six” by the diagnosis, especially due to the fact that it had been the consequence of his merely going to work and doing his duties. According to him, the shortness of breath that he was experiencing at the time made him unable to work and prohibited him from taking as many trips outside as he had in the past. Despite the fact that his illness was becoming worse, he stated that he was “very anxious” about what the future contained for him and his wife alike. He also voiced considerable displeasure over the fact that he was not provided with the equipment that would have prevented him from inhaling asbestos when he was working aboard maritime vessels belonging to the Royal Navy. He also expressed his happiness at getting the settlement from the mediator, indicating that he would use it to pay for the medical treatment that he would need as his health continues to deteriorate, as well as to enhance the financial stability of his wife. Thorn said to his attorneys that not only was he not provided with any kind of breathing mask or respiratory apparatus for his job, but there were also no precautions taken to prevent the spread of asbestos dust. These are the kinds of comments that will undoubtedly strike a chord with those who may not have been aware of the continuing and significant function that asbestos awareness training plays in the organizations of today. At the same time that a nurse has been hired in the north-eastern region to deal especially with mesothelioma patients, the news of Thorn’s compensation award has been announced. Leah Taylor will be able to provide support to individuals in Northumberland and North Tyneside who have been diagnosed with the life-threatening respiratory disease. In addition, she will collaborate with other regional teams to ensure that individuals have improved access to support groups, information, and treatments.