My father was born 19th July 1926 and led a healthy active life. He was an able seaman with the royal Navy and then became a mechanical fitter which is where we believe he was affected by asbestos. He was diagnosed with Emphysema and COPD in October last year and his health deteriorated slowly until his wife, Joan passed away earlier this year. My dad worked tirelessly after his retirement, looking after my mum and keeping up the gardening which was their great passion unitl 23rd August 2008 when he could not cope any longer and at the age of 82 he gave up his fight and decided he wanted to rest in peace with his wife and without the struggle of his condition.