Ex-Script Collator Worked For Broadcaster From 1969

A former BBC worker, now suffering with an asbestos-related cancer, is appealing for her former colleagues to come forward to help with an investigation to determine how she came into contact with the deadly dust.

Lorraine Sherlock, from Longfield in Kent, instructed expert industrial disease lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal asbestos-related cancer, which develops decades after initial exposure to the toxic dust.

The 66-year-old joined the BBC in 1969 where she worked in the printing rooms in Portland Place, Langham Place and Bush House in Westminster, copying and collating scripts for plays on television and radio. She worked there until 1973, when she left to start a family.

Lorraine, now a grandmother of three, first noticed she was breathless in late July last year, but put this down to stress as a number of her family members were unwell at the time.

After being referred to her local hospital by her GP, doctors found she had fluid on her lung, later diagnosing mesothelioma.

Lorraine, a mother-of three, said: “Both my family and I have noticed how much I have slowed down since last year and I now get breathless very easily.

“I can’t carry my grandchildren or chase them around the park anymore. I can’t do any gardening and, worst of all; I can no longer care for my mum who has had to go into care.”

“Sadly, I have lost touch with my colleagues at the BBC, so I’m asking for them to come forward with any information they may have about working conditions at the corporations to help me and my family get answers.”

Lorraine had enjoyed travelling but this is now difficult because of the higher insurance premiums. She can no longer take her granddaughters to the park, zoo or adventure play areas and is instead restricted to short distances.

Lorraine’s husband, Andrew, is now responsible for all work around the house and garden.

Helen England, expert industrial disease lawyer for Irwin Mitchell, representing Lorraine, said: “Mesothelioma is a very distressing illness, which develops decades after initial exposure to harmful asbestos dust and fibres.

“Lorraine and her family are still reeling from her diagnosis and its implications, and understandably feel, because of her lack of energy and breathlessness, that she has been robbed of quality time spent playing with her grandchildren.

“It is desperately important to Lorraine that she has answers as to how she came into contact with asbestos. These answers can only come from those who worked alongside her at the BBC at the time, so we would urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help with information should contact Irwin Mitchell at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 3856 or by emailing Helen.England@IrwinMitchell.com