Law Firm Seeks Laundry Workers Former Colleagues And Friends To Assist In Bringing Justice For her Family

The heartbroken husband of a woman who died from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing for both her friends and former colleagues to get in touch, as they may hold information about how and why she came into contact with the hazardous substance.

Mother-of-two Lillian Strong died at the end of October last year after suffering from mesothelioma, an incurable and deadly cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Following the 72-year-old’s diagnosis with mesothelioma she had discussions with husband Kevin about her potential exposure to the deadly dust when she worked at the Co-op laundry in Wallsend, Tyne & Wear in the 1960s.

Kevin has now instructed legal experts at Newcastle law firm, Irwin Mitchell, to help bring justice for Lillian and her family.

Widower Kevin, 78, who lives in Newcastle, recalls Lillian talking about asbestos lagging throughout the building and in particular on all of the pipe works in the building. He is now seeking further information to find out exactly what happened at the Co-op laundry.

Lillian, who left behind both Kevin and daughters, Wendy and Eileen, was also known as Lillian Dack, (maiden name), Lillian Dodds and then Lillian Thornton from previous marriages before marrying Kevin.

Roger Maddocks, an industrial disease expert at law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: “The illness that Lillian suffered is a terrible one and it was caused from exposure to asbestos many decades ago.

“Lillian’s family rightfully have questions about the presence of asbestos and working conditions at the Co-op laundry as she informed husband Kevin that she believes she was exposed to asbestos there.

“We are urging both former colleagues and anyone who knew Lillian during her time working at the Co-op to get in touch as they may have vital information about Lillian’s exposure to asbestos.

“Companies have been well aware of the dangers associated with inhaling dust since as far back as the 1960s so there is no excuse for workers not to have been warned or protected.”

Kevin Strong added: “Both myself and our daughters want justice for Lillian as she died from a cancer which was caused by a toxic material. We want to know where she was exposed and why she had to breathe in that horrible dust.

“Although Lillian and I were married, I have limited information about her during the 1960s. After we were told about her diagnosis of Mesothelioma, she said she could remember it being very dusty from asbestos which lagged pipes in the laundrette.

“If any former friends or colleagues can provide information then we would be extremely grateful as it will help bring justice for Lillian, my daughters and myself and enable us to begin to come to terms with our loss.”

Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to contact Roger Maddocks at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office on 0191 279 0136 or email roger.maddocks@irwinmitchell.com