Loved Ones And Legal Experts Issue Warning Over Dangers Of Substance

Lawyers have secured settlements for the loved ones of two Selby mums who died from asbestos cancer after being exposed to the deadly substance at work.

Julie Wilson was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer, usually of the lining of the lungs. It is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos usually decades previously.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers instructed to investigate

The mum-and-grandmother-of-three instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether her illness was linked to her employment history with Middlebrook Mushrooms.

Julie’s legal team appealed to her former colleagues for information on her working conditions. As a result, a number of witnesses contacted Irwin Mitchell, including the family of Irene Lawton, who died aged 71 from mesothelioma and had also worked for agricultural company Middlebrook Mushrooms.

Julie died aged 62 with her loved ones taking on quest for answers in her memory.

With information provided by Irene’s family, the legal experts also took on a case on behalf her loved ones.

Legal team secures settlements for families

Following legal submissions, Irwin Mitchell has now secured six-figure settlements for both families.

Ahead of this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 4 July, they’re now warning of the ongoing dangers posed by asbestos while paying tribute to Julie and Irene.

Nicola Handley is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing them.

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is a cruel disease that rips families apart. Nothing highlights this more than this double tragedy which have left the families devastated.

“Understandably, they were also left with so many questions and we’re grateful to have been able to provide them with these.

“While nothing can bring Julie or Irene back, we hope that the settlements will give them some closure as they attempt to move forward with their lives.

“Meanwhile, it’s important that people are aware that asbestos isn’t just a danger of the past and is still very much present today. It can also be a surprise to many that it isn’t solely associated with heavy industry and construction, but can be found in other settings such as agriculture and public buildings.

“We’d also like to thank all the members of the community who came forward with information that helped us with these particular cases.” Nicola Handley

Mesothelioma: Julie Wilson's story

Julie was employed by Middlebrook Mushrooms, latterly known as Pleroma, for around six months at its base in Brayton and Gateforth in Selby 1979/80.

She was a bubbler, which involved checking mushrooms.  Irwin Mitchell argued that she was exposed to asbestos while working in sheds constructed using corrugated asbestos sheets and insulation boards.  There was also lagged pipework in the sheds, which Julie often disturbed when brushing up.

Julie also worked at Rigid Paper Mill and her solicitors argued that exposure to asbestos would also have occurred here whilst she worked as a Production Planner.  Julie recalled lots of paper machines being in place and other witnesses recalled a network of asbestos lagged pipes being attached to the machines.

Julie, who lived with husband Ian, in Brayton in, Selby, fell ill in early 2022 with symptoms of breathlessness.  She was diagnosed with mesothelioma that July and sadly died in September 2023.

Julie's husband pays tribute to 'best wife, mum and grandma'

Ian, aged 66 said: “The past few years have been long and difficult, having to watch Julie get sick and know there was nothing I could do to help.  Then to lose her at just 62 was awful.

“She was the best wife, mum and grandma, and we think and speak about her every single day.  Nothing will ever bring her back, but having some answers means a lot and has allowed us all to honour Julie’s memory.

“By sharing her story, I just hope that it helps other families out there affected by asbestos.  Mesothelioma is a terrible condition that can strike anyone, and I wouldn’t wish the suffering we’ve endured on others. Thankfully we had support from Irwin Mitchell and also other charities, including Mesothelioma UK and SARAG.”

Irene Lawton's story

Irene’s role at Middlesbrook Mushrooms was as a quality control supervisor from 1979 to 1989.  Similar to Julie, Irwin Mitchell argued that she came into contact with asbestos while working in the sheds.

Irene sadly became ill during Covid in December 2020 and at first it was suspected that she had lung cancer. The mum-and-grandmother-of-two deteriorated rapidly and died in January 2021, aged 71. After she died, her death was reported to coroner who advised the family that the cause of death was actually mesothelioma.

Irene's husband reveals 'comfort' from having answers

Irene’s husband, also named Ian, 75, of Thorpe Willoughby, Selby, said: “Irene and I had been together for many years and were enjoying our retirement when she began to feel unwell.  Not for one minute, however, did we think it would be something like mesothelioma.

“To then be told it was down to asbestos exposure came as a huge shock to all of us, and we spent several months after her death trying to understand how she had been exposed to asbestos.

“I’d have given anything to help Irene but there was nothing I could do.  But after hearing Julie’s story, I knew I also had to get answers for my wife.

“To this day, it still makes me angry and upset at how Irene suffered, but there’s some comfort that comes from having some answers.”

Support available

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

Action Mesothelioma Day is on 4 July.  It’s a national event held annually to raise awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma. Find out more at Mesothelioma UK