Appeal For Information On Her Role At London Plastic Packaging

The family of a former Harlow factory worker who died of asbestos-related cancer are appealing for information regarding how she developed the devastating illness.

The Harlow woman, who the family wish to remain anonymous, died aged 69, around a year after she first developed symptoms of mesothelioma. A terminal cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma is often associated with asbestos exposure.

After an inquest concluded the mum of 3 and grandmother of 8 died as a result of an industrial disease, the family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate where she may have been exposed to the hazardous material that claimed her life.

The family and their legal team are appealing for anyone with information about the conditions she would have faced during her time working for London Plastic Packaging in Harlow from 1974 to 1975/76 to come forward.

Expert Opinion

“Asbestos has had a devastating impact on so many lives and our client’s death, particularly at a relatively young age for mesothelioma, is yet another example that vividly highlights the consequences of exposure.

“Understandably the family have been left devastated by their loss which has been made harder by having so many questions.

“While nothing can make up for their loss we’re determined to at least provide the family with the answers they deserve.

“If anyone with information about the conditions at London Plastic Packaging could come forward, it could make all the difference to her family.” Lacey St James - Associate Solicitor

The woman started work at London Plastic Packaging in 1974 and stayed there until 1975/76. The factory was in production 24 hours a day and made plastic bags and black sacks. Her role involved pulling the plastic bags apart at the end of the production line.

The mum and grandmother died in January 2020. She had three children and three step-children, and was a much loved grandmother of eight and great grandmother of six.

Before she became ill, she also worked with the Macmillan nurses, helping people with cancer and going to visit them and offer support where required.

She very much loved going on holiday with her sister as the two were always very close and she continued to be keen on knitting and continued with the hobby for as long as she was able to.

A family member said: “Mum was a much-loved member of the family and it is still hard to believe she is gone. Mesothelioma is a devastating illness and it was awful to see how it affected her following the diagnosis.

“Before she fell ill we hadn’t heard of mesothelioma but now we know all well just how terrible it is. Mum had always been so fit, active and outgoing but that all changed. It was horrible seeing her in so much suffering in the last few months of her life.

“We really believe she deserved answers regarding the illness and are now determined to get them in her memory. We would be very grateful if anyone who remembers working at the factory could come forward – it could make all the difference to our efforts to at least obtain some kind of closure.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lacey St James at Irwin Mitchell on 0203 040 3445 or email lacey.stjames@irwinmitchell.com