In Memory of Leigh Carlisle

Leigh Carlisle, who died from mesothelioma on 27th August 2008

Comment from mother, Sheila - stepfather, Mark Skerratt - sister Sarah and niece Bella -

"Leigh is still very much a part of our family - always a treasured daughter, sister and auntie. Everyone is so proud of her."

Comment from Geraldine Coombs, specialist solicitor in industrial diseases at Irwin Mitchell, who represented Leigh Carlisle and her family -

"Leigh Carlisle from Failsworth died on 27 August in hospital in North Manchester. She was 28. She was suffering from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. We had been working with Leigh and her family to establish how Leigh was exposed to asbestos. We know that she must have been exposed to it as a child. We investigated the possibility that she had been exposed whilst at school in Failsworth. A Freedom of Information Act request had been made to Oldham local authority for information about the school buildings where Leigh had been a pupil.

"We know that asbestos in schools is a real problem. National research and campaigning work done by Michael Lees in recent years has made the public aware of the extent of the problem. We hope the government will act to protect teachers and school children. Michael lost his wife Gina, a schoolteacher, to mesothelioma after she was exposed to asbestos in the school where she worked.

"Leigh will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She was always friendly and kind to others, no matter how bad things were with her health.  Everyone who worked with Leigh during her illness grew fond of her and we won’t forget her. We are all thinking of her now. She was an exceptional young woman, spending time raising money for charity and raising awareness among younger people about cancer."