Former Belling Factory Worker Is Killed By Asbestos Cancer

The daughters of a former Belling factory worker are appealing for information to determine where she was exposed to the asbestos that claimed her life.

Carole Hart, from the Isle of Wight, died one month after being diagnosed with mesothelioma which had spread to her brain, aged 74.  A terminal form of cancer, usually of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, usually decades previously.

Following her death, Carole’s daughters, Annette Graham and Tracey Phillips, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their mum’s illness and whether it could be linked to her work history.

Loved ones appeal for help ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day

Ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day, Annette and Tracey, along with their legal team, are now appealing to Carole’s former colleagues to come forward with information to help establish where she came into contact with asbestos.  They’re keen to hear from anyone who worked for either Belling & Co Limited or Thorn EMI, both based in Enfield.

Natalia Rushworth-White is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Annette and Tracey.

Expert Opinion

“Losing Carole so soon after her diagnosis continues to have a devastating impact on her loved ones, particularly her daughters.

“Mesothelioma is a horrible condition and far too many families have suffered because of it.

“Nothing will ever change what Carole’s family are going through, but we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“We would therefore urge any of Carole’s ex-colleagues to help if they can.

“Although the use of asbestos is commonly associated with heavy industry, it’s heatproof properties meant it was also utilised wider, including in the manufacturing of household appliances.” Natalia Rushworth-White

Mesothelioma: Carole Hart's story

Carole was employed by Belling & Co Limited between 1981 and 1993.  The company manufactured and assembled cookers and microwaves. Carole worked in the packing and assembly area of the factory.  At the time, she worked with her husband Ron.

She worked for Thorn EMI, sometimes known as Fergusons, between 1965 and 1974, prior to her time at Belling & Co.

In December 2023, Carole began suffering from breathlessness and chest pain.  She was thought to have pneumonia.

By July 2024, Carole attended A&E after she begun having seizures.  Shortly afterwards, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Carole died on 30 August, 2024, aged 74.

Daughter pays tribute to "best mum"

Annette said: “When mum was taken to hospital last July, not for one minute did we expect her to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, mainly because it wasn’t a condition we knew anything about.

“To then hear how advanced it was, and to watch mum deteriorate so quickly, was heart-breaking.  To this day, it’s still incredibly difficult for us to accept she’s gone.  She was the best mum, and her friends described her as a generous and charismatic lady.

"While there’s nothing we can do to change what happened or bring mum back, the least we can do is get some answers to help honour her memory.

“We would therefore be grateful if anyone who worked with mum could help us with the investigation.  Any detail could prove vital.”

Contact us

Anyone with information is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791893 or by e-mail at Natalia.rushworth-white@irwinmitchell.com

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