Imagine | Autumn 2023
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Autumn 2023 A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Autumn 2023
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Our client Ron Snaith has completed the Great North Run every year since it started in 1981. After 42 runs, Great North Ron’s an inspiration to everybody, but most importantly he’s a “beacon of hope” to people facing their own mesothelioma diagnosis. “If you’ve got hope in the face of such a diagnosis, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” says Jo Murray from Readley Asbestos and Mesothelioma Support.
Where it all started
Ron’s friend and colleague Bob persuaded him to do the very first Great North Run. He wasn’t a runner, but was fit from years of playing football, so they decided to give it a go. “We did no more training than a 10 miler the week before that left me aching,” remembers Ron. They lined up at the start in Newcastle with 12,000 runners. Ron completed the race in 1 hour 47 minutes, and he’s never looked back.
20 years
In 2001, Brendan Foster, who founded the Great North Run, presented Ron with a plaque to commemorate his 20th race. “Normally we’d just get a medal. But this was so special at the time. I never thought I’d get 20 runs in, but to be presented with this, by Brendan Foster again, was just so memorable.”
A Devastating Diagnosis
On his partner’s birthday in December 2018, Ron was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lung lining. Being told he had three to nine months to live was a lot to take in. “I was in no man’s land” says Ron, who found himself needing a wheelchair because he was so weak. “I never thought I’d run again.”
Ron, originally from Jarrow, was exposed to asbestos during his career as a joiner in the shipbuilding industry. The fire-retardant material was heavily used at the time. Cutting Marinite boards or mixing paste from asbestos powder caused clouds of dust and asbestos fibres to be released into the air. Colleagues would throw snowballs made from asbestos lagging – they had no idea of the danger of the materials they were working with.
“I was devastated,” says Ron. “I’ve always been tough and fit and healthy, and got through everything, but I didn’t think I could get through that.”
We supported Ron to bring a claim against the shipbuilders in whose shipyard he was exposed to asbestos. His settlement includes provision for the specialist care and treatment he may need in the future.
Where it all started
Ron’s friend and colleague Bob persuaded him to do the very first Great North Run. He wasn’t a runner, but was fit from years of playing football, so they decided to give it a go. “We did no more training than a 10 miler the week before that left me aching” remembers Ron. They lined up at the start in Newcastle with 12,000 runners. Ron completed the race in 1 hour 47 minutes, and he’s never looked back.
20 years
In 2001, Brendan Foster, who founded the Great North Run, presented Ron with a plaque to commemorate his 20th race. “Normally we’d just get a medal. But this was so special at the time. I never thought I’d get 20 runs in, but to be presented with this, by Brendan Foster again, was just so memorable.”.
A Devastating Diagnosis
On his partner’s birthday in December 2018, Ron was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lung lining. Being told he had three to nine months to live was a lot to take in. “I was in no man’s land” says Ron, who found himself needing a wheelchair because he was so weak. “I never thought I’d run again.”
Ron, originally from Jarrow, was exposed to asbestos during his career as a joiner in the shipbuilding industry. The fire-retardant material was heavily used at the time. Cutting Marinite boards or mixing paste from asbestos powder caused clouds of dust and asbestos fibres to be released into the air. Colleagues would throw snowballs made from asbestos lagging – they had no idea of the danger of the materials they were working with.
“I was devastated,” says Ron. “I’ve always been tough and fit and healthy, and got through everything, but I didn’t think I could get through that.”
We supported Ron to bring a claim against the shipbuilders in whose shipyard he was exposed to asbestos. His settlement includes provision for the specialist care and treatment he may need in the future.
Treatment
Following his diagnosis, Ron was referred for the NHS MARS 2 clinical trial. He was deemed fit enough to undergo lung sparing surgery to remove the cancerous tissue at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on 25 March 2019. Ron found the operation hard, but he made a good recovery. Four sessions of chemotherapy followed to complete the trial.
The week after chemo
The treatment was a success for Ron, allowing him to return to some of the activities he enjoys. Just a week after finishing a round of chemotherapy he took part in the 2019 Great North Run. Ron completed the first three miles on his own, and his brother pushed him the rest of the way. Nothing was going to stop him crossing the finish line.
Treatment
Following his diagnosis, Ron was referred for the NHS MARS 2 clinical trial. He was deemed fit enough to undergo lung sparing surgery to remove the cancerous tissue at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on 25 March 2019. Ron found the operation hard, but he made a good recovery. Four sessions of chemotherapy followed to complete the trial.
The week after chemo
The treatment was a success for Ron, allowing him to return to some of the activities he enjoys. Just a week after finishing a round of chemotherapy he took part in the 2019 Great North Run. Ron completed the first three miles on his own, and his brother pushed him the rest of the way. Nothing was going to stop him crossing the finish line.
A virtual run in 2020
The 2020 event threatened to upset Ron’s record. Covid-19 restrictions meant the run couldn’t go ahead as planned, but runners were encouraged to run the 13.1 miles as a virtual event. Ron was one of just 40 participants to be invited to film themselves finishing their race, in recognition of everything it means to him.
The All Runs Club
Members of the All Runs Club have taken part in every single Great North Run. The commitment of the 80 strong group has earned them special privileges including the right to start the race at the front with the elite athletes. “Even Mo Farrah can’t join our club, he’s not run every single one”, says Ron, clearly proud of his achievement.
Fond memories
Ron has a tale to tell about each run he’s completed. The event means so much to him. Flicking through a commemorative album, Ron points to a photo of the start line, saying, “I always run down the left-hand side so if you’re collecting money for charity in buckets, you’re meeting the public and it keeps you out of the way of the mad horde behind you. Plus, on the left-hand side it goes under the underpasses, where everybody’s singing “oggy oggy oggy” and it rebounds around all the subways and sounds so fantastic. It’s unmissable.”
The All Runs Club
Members of the All Runs Club have taken part in every single Great North Run. The commitment of the 80 strong group has earned them special privileges including the right to start the race at the front with the elite athletes. “Even Mo Farrah can’t join our club, he’s not run every single one”, says Ron, clearly proud of his achievement.
Fond memories
Ron has a tale to tell about every run he’s completed. The event means so much to him. Flicking through a commemorative album, Ron points to a photo of the start line, saying, “I always run down the left-hand side so if you’re collecting money for charity in buckets, you’re meeting the public and it keeps you out of the way of the mad horde behind you. Plus, on the left-hand side it goes under the underpasses, where everybody’s singing “oggy oggy oggy” and it rebounds around all the subways and sounds so fantastic. It’s unmissable.”
A league of his own
For Ron, the event itself is unmissable.
His enthusiasm and love for it is infectious. He encourages and inspires everyone he meets. This year, our workplace illness partner, Ian Toft completed the run alongside Ron.
Ian says, “I first met Ron at a patient and carer day. His presentation was so inspirational I decided to put my name down for the Great North Run and try and raise funds for Mesothelioma UK and Readley. The support they offer is so important and I really wanted to do something for people who’ve been exposed to asbestos.”
Ian and Ron both wore t-shirts Ron designed to support Readley, bearing the starfish symbol of hope. On the back are the words, ‘Meso Support’ for Ian, and ‘Meso Survivor’ for Ron. Readley updated the design from Ron’s original brief to include a bespoke version of the Great North Run logo, which reads “Great North Ron” in honour of his fantastic achievements and all he’s given back to the charity.
Ian Toft
Workplace Injury Partner
“Running the Great North Run supporting someone living with cancer was an incredibly humbling and inspiring experience. Being able to witness their determination and resilience was quite remarkable. It is a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.”
Ian Toft
Workplace Injury Partner
“Running the Great North Run supporting someone living with cancer was an incredibly humbling and inspiring experience. Being able to witness their determination and resilience was quite remarkable. It is a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.”
What’s next for Ron?
Ron’s diagnosis affects his breathing and his ability to run. With his 42nd Great North Run safely in the bag, he’s due to start immunotherapy treatment because his cancer’s unfortunately developing.
Ron remains optimistic, and he’s determined. If he sets his mind to something, he’ll do everything he can to make it happen. It’s this mindset that’s seen him defy the odds of mesothelioma and complete every single Great North Run.
It’s hard to imagine going back over four and a half years, being told I had limited life with a disease that’s terminal.
I’m here now. I’m still quite fit and healthy, and long may it continue.
Ron Snaith
Legal support
If you or a loved one’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, and you need support and guidance, please reach out to our caring and professional team.