Woman Instructs Lawyers To Investigate How Production Line Worker Was Exposed To Asbestos

The daughter of a former Luton Vauxhall plant worker is appealing for help to establish how her mum was exposed to the asbestos that claimed her life. 

Deborah Darroch died from mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of lung linked to asbestos, often decades previously. It was only after the 67-year-old’s death that a post-mortem examination confirmed she had the disease.

Deborah's family asks lawyers to investigate

Following Deborah’s death, her daughter Emma Baker instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her mum’s illness and whether it was linked to her work. 

Luton Vauxhall vehicle plant workers asked to provide information

Emma, aged 43, is now joining with her legal team to appeal to ex-workmates of Deborah’s to come forward with information about the conditions she faced.

They’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with Deborah at the Vauxhall vehicle manufacturing plant in Luton. The mum-of-one and nan-of-two worked on the production line from 1975-1980.

Rosemary Giles is the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Emma.

Expert Opinion

“Deborah’s death has had a profound impact on her family who are still struggling to come to terms with their loss. What’s particularly upsetting for her family is that i was only following Deborah’s death that it was confirmed she had mesothelioma.

“Sadly, through our work we continue to see too many families left devastated by this dreadful disease. Deborah’s death is yet another example of the terrible legacy of asbestos.

“While nothing can ever make up for their loss, we’re determined to support Deborah’s family and provide them with the answers they deserve.

“If any of her former workmates could come forward with information, it would mean a lot to the family and could provide them with the closure they’re hoping for.” Rosemary Giles

Mesothelioma: Deborah Darroch's story

During her time at Vauxhall, Deborah worked as a production operator. This involved her working on the production line assembling parts of various models of cars. 

Her husband, Martin, also worked at the plant, including on the production line. He died aged 56 from pancreatic cancer in August 2008.

Deborah lived in Luton until moving to Bedford in 2016. She remained active and used to enjoy going to the gym. 

She started developing symptoms, including worsening back pain in December 2022. Scans in May 2023 showed that Deborah was battling a form of cancer, although doctors could not confirm her exact diagnosis. She underwent radiotherapy treatment in July 2023. 

Deborah’s condition worsened and she was moved into St. John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger. She died in August 2023.

Deborah's daughter pays tribute to loving mum

Emma said: “Mum was such a wonderful woman. She was loving, kind and considerate and family meant everything to her. She loved spending time with the kids and was never happier than when she was them. 

“It was awful seeing mum’s condition deteriorate over the last few months. Everything seemed to move so quickly that it felt like we didn’t get to say goodbye properly. 

“To be then told following her death that she had mesothelioma came as a real shock. Mum still had so many years to live and so much love to give but was cruelly taken from us too soon. 

“The hardest thing to accept is that we still have so many unanswered questions about how she contracted mesothelioma. It was only afterwards when researching the disease that I learned just how horrible it is. 

“I know nothing will ever bring mum back but I feel I at least owe it to her to at least find out where she was exposed to the asbestos that claimed her life.”

How you can help

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rosemary Giles at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791 810 or email rosemary.giles@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by mesothelioma at our dedicated asbestos-related disease section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.