We are proud to announce a powerful new collaboration in support of two vital organisations leading the fight against asbestos exposure in the UK: Mesothelioma UK and the Asbestos Information CIC. Together, we are launching a national campaign focused on asbestos awareness and highlighting critical efforts in asbestosis and mesothelioma prevention in the UK. As part of this initiative, we has also committed to long-term funding for Mesothelioma UK, linked to our long-established asbestos scheme backed by Hiscox.

This campaign aims to unite stakeholders in the insurance, healthcare, and construction industries around a critical mission: to improve early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma, prevent exposure to asbestos in the UK, and provide much-needed support to the estimated 2,700 people who are diagnosed each year. 

A Legacy of Responsibility

We have underwritten our asbestos scheme for more than 18 years, providing vital coverage and risk solutions across the UK.  Now, with this new campaign, We are taking a meaningful step further by giving back to those impacted by asbestos-related diseases.

Our Director Damien Abraham said “We have a long-standing history in understanding and underwriting asbestos-related risks, but with so many lives affected every year by this terrible disease, I knew more needed to be done. After learning about the work of these two incredible organisations, I had to get involved. By donating and shining a spotlight on Mesothelioma UK and the Asbestos Information CIC, we’re not only helping those living with mesothelioma; we’re helping build a future where people are better informed, protected, and supported in the face of asbestos risks.”

Mesothelioma: A Preventable Tragedy

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos; a material once widely used in UK construction. Despite a full UK ban on asbestos in 1999, thousands are still diagnosed each year due to historic exposure. The disease is incurable and often diagnosed too late, giving patients limited time and options. Today, asbestos exposure causes over 5,000 UK deaths annually, accounting for 40% of the UK’s occupational lung disease cases. The UK has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths in the world, more than 125,000 people in the UK have died as a result of asbestos-related diseases, with the World Global Disease report suggesting that the number related deaths in the UK may be far higher than indicated by government modelling.

Yet mesothelioma is entirely preventable. 

That’s why awareness, early detection, and public education, especially through organisations like Mesothelioma UK and the Asbestos Information CIC, are essential. Alarmingly, Asbestos Information CIC reported that 78% of buildings inspected in a six-month period were found to contain asbestos. As they have stated, “Clearly, more needs to be done to identify, track, manage and remove instances of disturbed and undisturbed asbestos.”

Taking matters into their own hands, Asbestos Information CIC is currently developing the “Asbestos Risk Map”, a nationwide tool that collects and visualises data on asbestos findings across the UK. This vital resource is designed to educate and protect professionals who may unknowingly enter high-risk buildings, helping them make informed, safer decisions on-site.

We feel this partnership represents an important step in amplifying both these organisations’ efforts by bringing new funding and greater visibility to their work.

We are donating £15,000

In the first phase of this initiative, we are pledging £15,000 between Mesothelioma UK and the Asbestos Information CIC. These funds will:

• Help Mesothelioma UK secure more specialist nurses offering expert care and guidance, as well as providing access to high-quality, evidence-based, mesothelioma-specific information, education, and support.
• Fund the Asbestos Information CIC’s educational outreach, public engagement efforts, and the continued development of the Asbestos Risk Map.
• Fund experience-based research to improve understanding of the realities of living with mesothelioma and shape better support.

Beyond this initial contribution, we will also be continuing to donate to Mesothelioma UK, ensuring long-term funding for care, advocacy, and prevention.

Join the Cause

We have launched an official JustGiving page, making it easy for brokers, insurers, clients, and members of the public to support this important cause directly.

Despite the scale of the problem, asbestos still receives minimal attention for the Government. The UK’s 10-Year Infrastructure Plan makes no mention of the urgent need to tackle the presence of asbestos across the country, underscoring just how far we still have to go to bring this issue to the forefront in Westminster.

All donations will go towards Mesothelioma UK, helping to fund patient support, specialist nurses, educational outreach, and national efforts in asbestos prevention UK.

Donate now at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/doa-underwriting-meso-uk

About our Partners

Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting people with mesothelioma, funding specialist nurses across the UK, and campaigning for better outcomes.

Asbestos Information CIC is a collective of UKAS accredited industry professionals who are improving the way asbestos materials are recorded and assessed. They are working to create clearer guidelines for identifying and mitigating asbestos-related risk within the property industry.

For more information or to get involved, please visit our dedicated website page: https://doainsurance.co.uk/mesothelioma-uk-and-asbestos-information-cic/

Our passion is your success!

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