Posted by : Selma
Sydney –
Tireless campaigner, Bernie Banton, who has fought for years to achieve compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related conditions contracted while working for James Hardie industries – has been struck ill for the third time.
He has asbestosis and ARPD (asbestosis-related pleural disease.) Only 20% of his lung capacity is functional which means he must carry an oxygen tank wherever he goes. Now he has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, an asbestos-related abdominal cancer. It is expected he has 6-9 months to live.
Mr. Banton worked for James Hardie industries from 1968 to 1974 with 137 others. He was involved in the manufacturing of various asbestos products. Only 10 of his co-workers are still alive. One of the fatalities included his brother, who died of mesothelioma.
With characteristic determination, Mr. Banton has vowed to fight not only his cancer but to continue to fight James Hardie in order to acquire the compensation he deserves. His diligence is not unexpected; this, after all is the man who forced his former employer to set up a $4billion compensation fund for victims of asbestos-related illnesses. Let’s hope that Bernie Banton, a man who has already been through so much, has the strength to win the fight of his life.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Bernie.
(Photo courtesy Parramatta Sun)
Selma In The City 
my prayers too.
(ps…thank you SO MUCH for your honest and supportive comment on my blog….much appreciated)
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