Christine Dumford Worked At Diana Shoemakers As A Machinist In The 1960s

A shoemaker left ‘at a loss’ as to how she came to be exposed to the asbestos which resulted in a terminal cancer diagnosis, is calling on former colleagues to help her find answers.

Christine Dumford, from Glenfield, Leicester, worked as a machinist for Diana Shoemakers on Hollow Road in Anstey from approximately 1960 to 1965.

The 71-year-old instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her time at the manufacturers after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2016.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable asbestos related cancer that can take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos dust, usually in the workplace but also increasingly via exposure in public buildings, such as schools.

Christine said: “The diagnosis came as quite a shock because, as far as I was aware, I’d never been directly or knowingly exposed to asbestos. I’m just at a loss as to how it happened and the not knowing just compounds the distress my family and I are already feeling.

“It’s a long time to think back on over 50 years – but I’d ask anyone who worked at Diana Shoemaker’s who thinks they might know how I came into contact with asbestos, or remembers anything about asbestos on the premises, to get in touch with Irwin Mitchell.”

Christine, a mother-of-three, first started to feel unwell in August 2015.

Following a CT scan and biopsy at Leicester Royal Infirmary, and further appointments at Glenfield Hospital and Leicester City General, she was given the devastating news that she had malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and that, unfortunately, her condition was terminal.

Expert Opinion

“Unlike other asbestos related conditions, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma can occur after exposure to very minimal levels of asbestos dust.

“Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer which causes a significant amount of pain and suffering for victims like Christine and employers should have been well aware of the dangers posed by asbestos to their staff.

“Those who worked alongside Christine may have important information on the presence of asbestos at the factory. They may also have details of any measures, if any, taken to reduce potential exposure to the harmful dust.

“We hope former colleagues will come forward with the crucial information we need to get these answers for Christine and her family." Adrian Budgen - Partner

Anyone who recalls working with Christine at Diana Shoemakers on Hollow Road in Anstey should contact Adrian Budgen at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0114 274 4420 or email Adrian.Budgen@IrwinMitchell.com

Our specialist asbestos claims team will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to an asbestos related illness. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.