Mother In Appeal For Information On Working Conditions At St Neots Paper Mill

A former canteen worker from Cambridge is appealing to her old colleagues at a paper mill for help following her asbestos-related cancer diagnosis.

Caroline Guyver (nee Burge), 58, from Eaton Socon in Cambridgeshire has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following her diagnosis, Caroline instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness and to help her to discover how it could have occurred.

The wife and mother of Lauren has now joined with her legal team in appealing for information from her former work colleagues on the conditions they worked under.

Caroline is particularly keen to trace anyone who worked alongside her at the Samuel Jones paper Mill, in Little Paxton, St. Neots. Caroline worked in the canteen from 1998 until 2006.

Expert Opinion

“Caroline’s cancer diagnosis has understandably left the family in shock and struggling to understand what it means for the future.

“With the support of her husband and daughter, Caroline is determined to discover how she came into contact with asbestos and we’re committed to providing all the help we can to support her in her search for answers and as she embarks on the treatment she needs.

“If anyone who remembers Caroline from her time at the factory or who has information on the working conditions could come forward it would be a huge help in helping establish the answers Caroline and her family deserve.” Samantha Shaw - Senior Associate

The factory was located at in Little Paxton, St Neots and the mill is well-known in the area with a long history. The site was converted from a flour mill to a paper mill in the 1800s, undergoing several changes of ownership over the years, prior to being operated by Samuel Jones Limited.

While employed in the canteen, Caroline would regularly come into contact with all those employed in the factory and understands that asbestos was present in the building.

Having been in good health for most of her life, Caroline first began to notice symptoms such as shortness of breath in early 2022. After several tests and investigations, mesothelioma was confirmed. Caroline is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Outside of work, Caroline lives with her husband, Derek who have one daughter together, Lauren age 28. She currently works as a health care assistant and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family.

Caroline said: “Hearing the doctor tell me I had cancer was the worst day of my life. It still hasn’t really sunk in and without the support from my family, I don’t know how I would have coped.

“When they said my cancer was due to coming into contact with asbestos, it just didn’t seem possible. Your mind goes blank when you’re upset and then I recalled my time at the paper mill and people speaking about asbestos at the time.

“Right now I’m determined to make the most of my life while I can and not dwell on what the future may hold. For now, I really want to get to the bottom of how this has happened to me while I’m still healthy enough to do it. It won’t take this cancer away, but it will give me some answers and peace of mind to face the challenges that lie ahead.

“If anyone who worked at the mill around the same time I did could get in touch, it would mean a lot to me in getting to the truth and answering ‘why me’ and might help others along the way.”

Anyone with information that could help Caroline is asked to contact Samantha Shaw at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791 815 or email samantha.shaw@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases