Ex-Teaching Assistant From East Yorkshire Instructs Lawyers To Investigate Following Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A grandmother-of-five is appealing to her former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with asbestos cancer.

Isabel Caithness, from Driffield was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2023. A terminal cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following her diagnosis, the 80 year old grandmother instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness and if it could be linked to her work history.

Isabel has now joined with her legal team to appeal for her former colleagues to come forward with information on the working conditions she faced.

They are looking to trace anyone who worked alongside Isabel during her time working at: B&P Nicholson in Aldershot working in a premises manufacturing clothing for retail companies from 1974 to 1975; at Cromwell School, in Osnabrück, Germany, from 1977 to 1981; and Clarendon Infant School in Tidworth, Hampshire from 1981 to 1983.

Expert Opinion

“Isabel, her husband Thorfinn and the rest of her family are devastated by her diagnosis and what it means for the future.

“While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry it’s use was much more widespread. Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, offices, libraries, and leisure centres all contained the hazardous material.

“We’re now investigating how Isabel was exposed to asbestos. As part of those investigations we’re now asking anyone who remembers Isabel or who worked in the places that she did to come forward with information about the conditions they worked under.

“This could be of huge help to Isabel and bring some closure that only answers can provide in what has been a terrible period in their lives.” Nicola Handley, Senior Associate Solicitor

In 2022, Irwin Mitchell research revealed that 4,533 public buildings across the 20 largest  council areas by population still contain asbestos, averaging around 225 buildings per local authority. Schools are the largest category of buildings affected, making up almost a quarter of the total number.

From 1974 until 1975, Isabel worked at B&P Nicholson which was linked to a major UK retailer. Her job involved working on a clothing line in premises in Aldershot town centre.

Isabel later moved to Osnabrück in Germany with her husband, Thorfinn, when he was stationed there in 1977. She was employed at Cromwell School in Osnabrück from 1977 to 1981 as a teacher’s aid. There was an adjoining school known as Wellington School and Isabel recalls building work taking place at the time.

Isabel was employed as a teacher’s aid again with Wiltshire County Council from 1981 to 1983 at Clarendon Infant School in Tidworth, Hampshire. Isabel’s role was to support the teacher and involved things like lunchtime duty, baking with the pupils, and putting up classroom displays.

Isabel married Thorfinn Caithness in 1969 and the couple have two children together and five grandchildren.

In addition to spending time with her family, Isabel always enjoyed a variety of activities including golf, painting, gardening, and hill walking. However, since her mesothelioma diagnosis, she hasn’t been able to do these as much as she’d like to.

Isabel started to experience chest pain and severe breathlessness and was referred for numerous medical tests and hospital visits. Isabel received was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2023. She is currently in a lot of pain as a result of her condition.

Isabel said: “It’s horrible to see the way that the disease is progressing and I feel very helpless. I was enjoying my retirement with my family and spending time doing the things that I enjoy.

“The diagnosis came as a huge shock and when doctors asked if I had ever encountered asbestos, I realised it could have been present in some of the buildings I’ve worked in..

“It would be great to hear the thoughts of former colleagues on this and their understanding of the conditions we were working under.

“While nothing can change what I’m going through, getting the answers would mean a lot to me at this point. It would be great to hear from some of my former colleagues and I’d be so grateful.”

Anyone with information that could help Isabel is asked to contact Nicola Handley at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 220 6233 or by email at Nicola.Handley@irwinmitchell.com