Office Worker Diagnosed With Asbestos Related Cancer In Search For Ex-Colleagues
Asbestos Related Cancer
08/02/2008
A former power station office worker, who is suffering from terminal cancer after allegedly being exposed to asbestos, is appealing for ex-colleagues to come forward and help in her legal battle for compensation.
Sylvia Billingham who will be 65 this month was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos-related cancer, in August 2007. Mrs Billingham is thought to have been exposed to asbestos dust whilst working at the Aberthaw B power station in Barry, South Glamorgan from September 1966 to June 1968, where she was employed as a clerk/typist.
Mrs Billingham who at the time resided in Llantwit Major has had to give up work because of the mesothelioma. She has since returned to Hoo in Kent where she grew up and has now launched a claim for compensation against her former employers, Associated Electrical Industries Limited.
Mrs Billingham, who has two children and five young grandchildren, said: "I never gave a thought to asbestos at the time, especially doing clerical work, but engineers and other workers from the power station used to come into the office with dust on their overalls. I also used to have to go into the power station to take messages to people in there. I know that there was a lot of asbestos used on the pipes and other things in there.
"I always assumed I would have years ahead of me to spend with my family and friends. I am devastated because my youngest grandchild is only 18 months old and no one can tell me if I will live long enough to see her start school."
Caroline Pinfold, from the London office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing Mrs Billingham in her legal battle. She explained: "It is always tragic when someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, it is especially difficult for Sylvia because she did not work directly with asbestos and had no idea she was at risk.
"While no amount of compensation will ever make up for Sylvia contracting this industrial disease, it is vital in order for her and her family to obtain some recompense, that people who have information concerning the working practices and conditions at the Aberthaw B Power Station, come forward to help us.
"We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who worked inside the power station itself in the mid to late 1960s."
Anyone with information which may be helpful should contact Caroline Pinfold at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0870 1500 100.