Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group – the only charity of its kind in the south – has raised thousands of pounds for research into illnesses caused by the deadly dust since sessions were set up in Portsmouth a year ago.

Sisters Diane McLellan and Lynne Squibb formed the group following the death of their 72-year-old dad Dave Salisbury from the lung cancer mesothelioma and have helped dozens of other sufferers claim compensation after being exposed to asbestos at work.

The siblings also carry out home visits and offer help with benefits claims and legal advice, providing access to a panel of solicitors who specialise in claims for people with asbestos-related conditions.

And the duo raised £6,000 for the Mick Knighton and June Hancock Meosthelioma Research Fund by holding a balloon release to mark Action Mesothelioma Day at Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, earlier this year.

Mrs McLellan said: 'I like to think we have made a difference. Asbestos-related illnesses can take years to develop but can take hold very quickly. We need to help people before it's too late.

'If we can stop one person from being exposed and prevent them from developing one of these conditions later in their lives it's worth it.'

Asbestosis patient Pete Richardson, 60, from Moorgreen Road, Havant, said: 'The group has given us so much support. We wouldn't have known what to do or what we were entitled to without them.

'It really helps to be able to come and discuss your illness with other people who are going through the same thing and to know you're not alone.'