Appeal For Former Colleagues Of Factory Worker To Come Forward

The widower of a former factory worker who died from the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma has joined with expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day (1 July) to call on his wife’s former colleagues to help him gain answers regarding her illness.

Christine Webster, from Minsterley in Shrewsbury, was 61 when she died of mesothelioma in June 2015, just a year after being diagnosed with the cancer of the lining of the lung associated with asbestos exposure.

Following her death, her husband Stanley, 69, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office to investigate how she came into contact with the deadly material.

As part of their work, they are now keen to hear from anyone who worked with Mrs Webster during her employment at trouser manufacturer E Walter (Ludlow) Ltd’s Bishop’s Castle factory during the 1970s.

Stanley is appealing to Christine’s former colleagues ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day, a national awareness day that aims to remember victims of the disease, as well as bring individuals affected by it together to fight to prevent other enduring the disease in the future.

Kim Barrett, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Stanley, said:

Expert Opinion

“Christine’s tragic story is like many we come across with those exposed to asbestos during their working lives going on to develop serious illnesses decades later.

“Following our instruction, we are working to gain a better understanding of how Christine was exposed to asbestos and prior to her death she revealed her belief that the material was present at the site of E Walter (Ludlow) Limited.

“We would be hugely grateful if anyone with more information regarding this could help us try and get Christine’s family the justice they deserve.

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer and sadly all too common among people who spent their lives working in heavy industry and manufacturing. Action Mesothelioma Day is vital for raising awareness of the disease and ensuring those affected by it have the support networks they need.” Kim Barrett - Solicitor

Christine’s husband Stanley revealed that she had talked about how pipework at the factory was lagged with asbestos, while the trouser presses and ironing boards used also had asbestos surfaces. Her role involved checking the trousers were pressed correctly.

Stanley said: “Losing Christine last year was incredibly difficult and it was particularly hard to see how the mesothelioma affected her in the final few months.

“The whole family are now just desperate to know how she came to be affected by the cancer and if anyone who worked with her could come forward it would be massively appreciated.

“Any information could be hugely important in helping us in our search for answers and justice.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kim Barrett at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office on 0121 214 5211 or email kim.barrett@irwinmitchell.com.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, our expert mesothelioma lawyers could help you claim compensation. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.