Mum In Plea For Former Workmates To Come Forward

A former factory worker from Sunderland diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer is appealing for witnesses, as her legal team commence High Court proceedings on her behalf.

Norma Conlon, 71, started to develop chest problems and a cough in February 2018. Following medical investigations, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a type of terminal cancer of the lining of the lung most commonly linked with asbestos exposure, often decades previously.

Following her diagnosis, Norma instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how she came into contact with the hazardous material.

As her legal team commence High Court proceedings, Norma remains keen to trace former workmates from her time at the company who may know more about her exposure to asbestos.

Norma worked at Corning Limited (also known as Pyrex at the time) between 1975 and 1983 where she worked on the evening shift, to fit in with her young family. 

Expert Opinion

“Norma’s story will resonate with many clients we have supported, who developed mesothelioma.

We remain determined to provide answers for Norma and her family regarding how she was exposed to asbestos and have commenced High Court proceedings on her behalf.

“To build up as full a picture as possible about Norma’s diagnosis we would like to hear from her former colleagues regarding conditions she may have faced while working at Corning.

It is not too late for any maintenance staff who worked at the company at or around the time Norma worked there to come forward and we would appreciate speaking to anyone who may be able to help.

Any information no matter how small could provide Norma and her family with the vital answers they deserve.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

Family orientated Norma, is married to Tony, 74 who have three grown-up children and six grandchildren.

During her time at Corning Limited Pyrex, Norma worked as a service hand, an assembly line worker and a relief charge hand. She initially worked at the company’s Sunderland site on Leopold Street, before moving to the Deptford site in the late 1970s.

Norma told her legal team that she could have been exposed to asbestos dust from work carried out on overhead pipework, which was lagged with asbestos. The work was done while production workers like Norma were in the vicinity below. Norma also believes she may have been exposed when the factory floor was swept creating dust which included asbestos dust.

Commenting on her experiences, Norma Conlon said: “The last few years since my diagnosis have been very difficult for me and the whole family. It feels like we are closer now to finding the truth about my asbestos exposure and I hope someone might yet be persuaded to come forward.

“I spent many hours in the assembly and production area. It was a busy environment and while people may not remember me, I think they would recall the conditions we all worked in.

“I never expected to be in this situation and now I just want to know the truth about how this could have happened to me. If anyone thinks they may have information that could help us, it would mean so much to me to hear from them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chloe Mclaren at Irwin Mitchell's Newcastle office on 0191 434 07 04 or email chloe.mclaren@irwinmitchell.com