A FALKLANDS veteran hit by asbestos cancer mesothelioma will have his treatment funded under a new payment scheme that could help others in Swindon.

The retired sailor served on RFA Sir Galahad, sunk during the 1983 Falklands campaign. In a 40 year career with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the navy’s transport service, he was exposed to asbestos.

The Swindon man, who lawyers did not want identified, began feeling breathless and in 2016 was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer.

Last month, his former employers agreed to fund potentially life-changing immunotherapy treatment as the former sailor’s health gets worse. The agreement was the latest in a series of periodical payments orders, which ensures cost of future treatment is covered.

Now, the sailor known as Mr S by his lawyers, can enjoy his retirement. Helen Childs, partner at Royds Withy King, said: “Obviously nothing can compensate for developing mesothelioma. However, Mr S can now put the claim behind him and get on with enjoying what will hopefully be a very long and active retirement and be able to receive as much immunotherapy treatment as his treating physicians recommend in time.”

She said that immunotherapy was a rapidly developing area of medicine. The drugs stimulate a patient’s own immune system, fighting the cancerous cells.

Ms Childs said: “At the moment the only way for most people to ensure that they receive immunotherapy treatment is by funding it privately, often through a compensation claim.”

“Anyone who has any queries about a diagnosis of mesothelioma or about immunotherapy treatment should seek advice from a specialist mesothelioma solicitor.”

Solicitors’ firm Royds Withy King said the orders could help other mesothelioma sufferers in the town. The cancer is often called the Swindon Disease because of the number of former railway workers affected.

Senior associate Jennifer Seavor said: “The order in this case gives further hope to mesothelioma sufferers. Immunotherapy is showing great promise, extending the life expectancy of those who are candidates for the treatment. The order will help us argue that all the associated costs of the treatment are covered for those who will potentially benefit from it.”