Industrial Disease Lawyers Have Been Instructed To Investigate

The heartbroken daughter of a former usherette is launching an appeal to her mum’s ex-colleagues after she died following her battle against asbestos-related cancer.

Lynne Halls’ appeal comes ahead of National Action Mesothelioma Day on July 1, a day in which those affected by the asbestos-related cancer campaign to raise awareness of the disease, a cancer in the lining of the lungs.

Lynne’s mother Margaret Rose Edgington, from Cradley Heath, was 71 when she first became ill in 2012 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma the following year. She died on September 8, 2014.

Margaret worked as an usherette in the Classic Cinema, in Quinton between 1975 and 1976 and the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre from 1976 until 1986.

Lynne said: “Nothing will ever bring back my mum, but I really want to know how she could have come into contact with asbestos as the dangers were known back then and it is only right that her past employers are held to account for their negligent actions.

“I’d be so grateful to anyone who worked with my mum or at Classic Cinema or Birmingham Hippodrome around that time to get in touch to help shed some light on how she would have been exposed to the substance.”
During her time at the Hippodrome, Margaret became friends with a colleague, Anne, and the two were pictured with Des O’Connor, who was appearing at the theatre at the time.

“I’d particularly like to hear from Anne,” said Lynne. “It would mean a lot to me and my family if she could get in touch.

“Mum worked hard her whole life. We’re devastated to have lost her this way. If someone could just give us the answers we’re looking for we’d feel like we could better come to terms with our loss.”

Expert Opinion

“Margaret’s family have been left devastated at the loss of their mother. It was a complete shock to be told that her Margaret had a fatal asbestos illness.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who worked at or undertook refurbishment at Classic Cinema, Quinton or the Hippodrome during the period when Margaret was employed.

“Any information from people engaged in refurbishment and / or fellow colleagues or friends who worked alongside her could prove vital in securing the information we need to secure justice for Margaret and her family”. Alida Coates - Partner

Anyone with information should contact Alida Coates at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5230 / 5407 or email alida.coates@irwinmitchell.com

Our expert mesothelioma solicitors will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.