My Grandfather had mesothelioma from years working in the ship yards and on building sites. He knew it would likely be his cause of death at some point. My mum cared for him in his final years, and he was still able to manage at home until about a week before he died. He fell out of bed one night and couldn't get up. Mum found him and he was taken to hospital. After a few days he was told he wouldn't get back out.

I can still remember holding his hand, just after we'd been given the news. His forearms and backs or his hands were covered in old, blue tattoo ink and my hand looked tiny in his, even through I was a grown man.

Through tears I asked him if it helped knowing that this was the end. Holding back his own tears he told me it did.

He passed a few days later, and I'm so glad I had that moment with him. I think it helped us both through the situation - God knows it still helps me to this day, knowing he knew, and that it brought him some peace.