Woman And Lawyers Seeking Information On Underwear Firm C Bayer And Co Ltd And Book Binding Company Cedric Chivers Ltd

A former Bath factory worker diagnosed with terminal asbestos-related cancer is appealing for help as to how she came to be exposed to the hazardous substance.

Maureen Nourse has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Lawyers instructed after mesothelioma diagnosis

Following her diagnosis in September 2020, Maureen, who now lives in Southmead in Bristol, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether her illness could be linked to her work history. 

Maureen, aged 71, has now joined her legal team in appealing for former colleagues to come forward with information about working conditions.

Appeal for information on Bath factories

They are particularly keen to hear from people who worked at underwear factory C Bayer and Co Ltd and book binding factory Cedric Chivers Ltd, both based in Bath. Maureen worked at the factories as an office worker between 1965 and 1966 and 1966-1972 respectively. 

Expert Opinion

“Maureen’s diagnosis is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy that asbestos has created. Mesothelioma is a horrible disease which often only appears many years after exposure.

“Understandably Maureen and her family are devastated by her diagnosis and what it means. They have a number of questions about her exposure.

“If any former employees could come forward with asbestos information relating to the C Bayer and Co or Cedric Chivers factories it could make all the difference.” Alexandra Lausen - Associate Solicitor

Mesothelioma: Maureen Nourse's story

Maureen, who is married to Ray and a mother-of-five, started as an office junior at underwear manufacturer C Bayer and Co, located on the banks of the River Avon, aged 16 in 1965. 

She was based in an office which was dusty. However, her role would take her all over the factory, which was full of heavy machinery. She remembers the building was very old and that the pipes were covered in a white or grey lagging which may have contained asbestos. 

Maureen said during her time at C Bayer and Co she would often get throat infections which she was told was because of dust in her working environment.

Maureen started at Cedric Chivers in 1966 and was based in another old building in Combe Park in Bath. She remembers the factory as being dusty and full of heavy machinery. At the time, some book makers used asbestos to help bind books. 

Asbestos cancer impacts on mum's life

Maureen said: “While I’m trying to stay as positive as I can, it’s been very difficult to accept what I’m going through and what the future is likely to hold for my family and I. 

“I previously tried to remain as active as possible but now I’m often tired and short of breath. I have had chemotherapy but this has a number of side effects which make life very difficult.

“I know nothing can turn back the clock and change what’s happened. However, finding out that my cancer is down to asbestos exposure has left me desperately wanting answers as to where I could have come into contact with it.  

“I’d be so grateful to any of my former employees who came forward with information. Any detail, no matter how big or small, may make the difference.” 

How you can help following Maureen's mesothelioma diagnosis

Anyone with information about working conditions at C Bayer and Co Ltd or Cedric Chivers Ltd should contact Alexandra Lausen at Irwin Mitchell on 0117 926 1554 or email alexandra.lausen@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by mesothelioma and other industrial illnesses at our dedicated asbestos-related disease section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.