The Missing Piece: A Friendship Forged in Grief

Author and broadcaster James O'Loghlin has published a book, The Missing Piece, detailing his friendship with James 'Jum' Wallner, who died from mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos in a Mr Fluffy home in Canberra.

O'Loghlin recounts the experience of caring for a dying friend and a successful campaign to change compensation rules for those exposed at home.

O'Loghlin and Wallner met at the University of Sydney in the mid-1980s and were best friends. Wallner was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 54. The cancer is linked to asbestos exposure.

A Campaign Born from Crisis

O'Loghlin, along with two others, launched a campaign to extend compensation to people exposed to asbestos in their homes, as prior rules only covered workplace exposure.

After 11 weeks and two days of lobbying, Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed a fund for compensation. Wallner died two days later.

O'Loghlin describes the campaign as a personal test and expresses relief at having tried everything.

The Mr Fluffy Legacy

Mr Fluffy homes were insulated with loose-fill asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s, affecting over 1,000 houses in Canberra.

O'Loghlin previously leaned out when a friend was sick years ago, a decision he regrets.

He notes the difficulty of knowing how to support a dying friend but recommends pushing through awkwardness.

Key Advice on Supporting a Dying Friend

'I would really strongly recommend getting over the awkwardness.' — O'Loghlin

'Time is something you never get back.' — O'Loghlin