Celebrating 20 Years of HASAG

This year, HASAG – Asbestos Disease Support proudly celebrates 20 years of standing alongside individuals and families affected by asbestos-related disease.

Our story began not in a boardroom, but around a family table.

When Lynne and Diane’s dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, their world changed overnight. Like so many families, they were faced with shock, uncertainty, and the overwhelming reality of navigating a life-limiting illness. In the midst of their own heartbreak, they discovered something powerful: the strength that comes from shared experience, practical support, and simply not facing it alone.

Out of that lived experience, HASAG was born.

What started as a deeply personal response to their dad’s diagnosis has grown into a trusted, compassionate charity supporting thousands of people across the UK. For two decades, we have been driven by one simple belief – that everyone affected by asbestos disease deserves clear information, emotional support, and a strong voice. Thanks to our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, healthcare partners and fundraisers, we have now donated over £1 million to vital research and support services. Every pound raised represents hope, progress, and a commitment to improving outcomes for those diagnosed today and in the future.

As we mark our 20th anniversary, this timeline reflects the journey we have taken together – from one family’s determination to make a difference, to a nationwide charity continuing to stand strong for our community.

Thank you for being part of our story.

2006

First coffee morning

2006

Became a registered charity

2007

Joined the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum

2007

First home visit

2007

First Action Mesothelioma Day event- hosted by Fred Dineage

2007

Made first donation to June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund

2008

Pemetrexed (Alimta) became available to all mesothelioma patients

2009

Lisa joined the team, now the manager

2010

Hosted our first annual Christmas lunch

2010

Widened our home visit offer to cover the South and England

2011

Expanded our panel of vetted solicitors

2013

Moved to a small office

2014

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) introduced

2014

Armed Forces compensation scheme introduced

2015

Alison joined the team as Charity Support Worker

2015

First IMIG, attended by HASAG, in Capetown

2015

Established database of exposure

2016

Molly joined the team as Marketing and Social Media Executive

2016

First HASAG funding for Mesothelioma UK nurse

2016

10 Year anniversary Quiz night

2016

Lynne worked within the IMIG working group

2016

Lynne was on the Mesothelioma UK Advisory Board

2017

Attended MARF conference in Washington

2017

HASAG became a member of the Mesothelioma Alliance

2017

Jo joined the team as a Charity Support Worker

2017

Lisa became the Armed Forces benefits advisor, working with HASAG and Mesothelioma UK, for the Armed Forces Project

2018

Hit £500,000 donated to research and support

2019

Trudie joined the team as Charity Support Worker

2020

Molly supported with research study The Gendered Experience of Mesothelioma Study (GEMS) (Mesothelioma UK)

2020

Lisa took part in the Armed Forces Project with Mesothelioma UK

2020

Launched counselling service

2021

Steve joined the team as Operations Manager

2022

Launched our free will-writing service for patients and their partners

2022

Became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

2022

Hit £1,000,000 donated to research and support

2023

Rachel joined the team as HASAG Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist

2023

Diane returned to the team as Charity Support Worker

2023

First HASAG hosted nurses education event

2024 & 2025

Mesothelioma Collective (funding mesothelioma research with Erase Meso and The Mavis Nye Foundation)

2024

Moved to our current office

2024

Sheryll joined the team as Patient Support and Benefits Advisor

2025

Buddy Service launched

2025

Started the Breathe Strong podcast in collaboration with EGFR Positive UK, hosted by Rachel, our Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist

2026

HASAG celebrated 20 years of fundraising and support for patients and their families affected by asbestos-related diseases

Upcoming 20 for 20 Events

2026 marks a momentous milestone – HASAG’s 20th anniversary. For two decades, HASAG has provided vital support, information and advocacy for mesothelioma patients and their families. To celebrate this landmark year, we have an extraordinary programme of fundraising events planned, generously supported by our partner law firms and sponsors across the country.

We invite you to join us at any – or all! – of these events. Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting patients, funding research and continuing HASAG’s vital work. Thank you for your incredible support.

20 for 20 Event Galleries