Councillor Maureen Chaplin had recently retired from the Royal Mail after 24 years as a post woman. Prior to that she worked with people with learning disabilities at Prudhoe Hospital. It was while working as a nursing assistant at the hospital between 1971 and 1979 that she believes she was exposed to asbestos.

Despite being told the condition was terminal she launched into fundraising campaign. During her year as Mayor she nominated the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, as her Mayoral charity.

Maureen's friends and family have continued her legacy by raising over £17,000 for her Snowdrop Memorial Fund.

Donations made through the Maureen Chaplin Snowdrop Fund will benefit the work of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF).