Swindon Advertiser editor Simon O’Neill has offered a heartfelt thank you to all the contributors to the paper’s Swindon Disease Appeal.

After the appeal launch in March the paper has beaten its target of £10,000 towards a permanent memorial to victims of mesothelioma – the so-called Swindon Disease – a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos which has blighted the lives of a number of the town’s railway workers.

The paper is hoping that the final figure will be nearer £12,000.

Simon told readers: “It is a magnificent achievement, and we now look forward to working with Swindon Council to create a memorial garden that will act as a fitting tribute to the victims of mesothelioma.”

The paper has been inundated with stories from those who have lost loved-ones to the disease, telling of the pain and suffering it causes.

Director of Swindon services John Short said: “Reaching the target is excellent news and it’s a credit to the Advertiser and everyone who has supported it.”

The fund will be boosted by the auction of an England shirt worn by David Beckham when he scored ‘that goal’ against Greece in the crunch World Cup qualifier.

The shirt is signed by Beckham, Michael Owen and the rest of the England squad.

The Evening Advertiser successfully bid for it at the annual Marriott Charity Ball which raised almost £42,000 for good causes.

Advertiser promotions manager Sheryl Crouch said: “We hope a prize as attractive as this will net a second significant sum in memory of those who died from this terrible disease.”

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