Information Sought Woman’s First Job As A 16-Year-Old School Leaver At ICI Fibres In Hookstone

The devastated family of a grandmother-of-seven are appealing to colleagues from her first job for help following her death from asbestos-related cancer.

Cher Elizabeth Wray – who was known as Sharon Cooper prior to her marriage in 1990 – died aged 63 from mesothelioma.

A terminal cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma, is commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos disease lawyers investigate mum's mesothelioma diagnosis

Before she died, Cher called on specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how she encountered the substance.

Her family are now continuing with the search for answers in her memory and they have teamed up with the legal experts to appeal for information regarding Cher’s work history.

Appeal for information on ICI Fibres in Hookstone

They are appealing to anyone who worked with her during her first job after leaving school. Cher was a PA at the ICI Fibres chemical plant in Hookstone, Harrogate, between 1971 and 1973.

Expert Opinion

“This is sadly yet another case that highlights the huge impact that asbestos can have on individuals, often years after exposure may have taken place.

“Cher’s death at a young age from mesothelioma has left her family greatly upset and with many concerns about how she could have been exposed. It’s not just people in industrial jobs that contract mesothelioma.

“Sadly we see a number of office workers and those who worked in public buildings such as schools, hospitals and offices who fall victim to this disease.

“If anyone has information about the conditions Cher faced during her time as a PA at ICI it could make all the difference to her family being able to honour her memory." Ian Toft - Partner & Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease (North)

Mesothelioma: Cher Wray's story

Cher started work at the plant when she left school at 16. She told Irwin Mitchell that she was a PA but her role would see her move across the entire plant.

She recalled seeing colleagues undertaking maintenance on pipework across the site and added that the pipes tended to be lagged. She said that the activity generated lots of dirt and dust, while she also worked in offices when such work was taking place. She added that she inhaled the dust and it settled on her clothes.

Cher left the company in 1973 when she had children. She did not return to work until 1986.

She sadly died of mesothelioma in February 2019. Cher leaves behind her husband, Michael, as well as her five children – Bianca, Leon, Jordan, Aidan and Layla.

Family's tribute to mum who died of asbestos-related disease

Cher’s husband, Michael Wray, 68, said: “Cher was a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother and the entire family misses her so much every day. It was awful to see how mesothelioma affected her and we all still have so many questions about how this happened.

“She lived for her family and loved nothing better than spending time with them. That’s what made her the happiest.

“While time has moved on from Cher’s death, our family hasn’t. Occasions such as family birthdays are not the same without her. Still having so many questions about how she was exposed to asbestos makes her death even harder to try and come to terms with.

“We know nothing can make up for what’s happened but if we could at least have answers regarding Cher’s death at least we will be able to honour her memory.”

How you can help

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Ian Toft, a partner at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 218 6453 or email ian.toft@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and their families affected by mesothelioma at our dedicated asbestos-related disease section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.