March 5th, 2007

A grandfather had to prepare for surgery this week after learning that an asbestos related disease meant that he would have to have a lung removed. Sixty-six year old William Royle is going to have to undergo the lung removal surgery after finding out that he has a form of cancer related to exposure to asbestos, which is known as mesothelioma.

Mr. Royle, from the UK, has had to travel to the city of Leicester in order to have the surgery carried out after being told that he had only a few months to live. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can take many decades to manifest, but once it has developed can reduce the sufferer’s lifespan to a matter of just months.

Royle stated: "I know this is major surgery and that it isn't a cure, but I'm just grateful that it will buy me some more time with my family and the people I love." He added: "My wife Dilys, and the rest of my family have been so supportive. I'm looking forward to more time with them and to getting back to doing the things I love."

Royle was once a quality control worker. He stated that he was exposed to asbestos whilst working at United Ebonite Lorival in Little Lever between 1958 and 1962. He also worked at British Aerospace for over three decades.