58-year-old Tracey Anthony died just seven weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma

The husband of a woman who died from asbestos-related cancer just weeks after her diagnosis is appealing for her former colleagues to come forward to help with an investigation into her exposure to the deadly substance years ago.

Paul Anthony, from Benfleet has instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to find out how his wife Tracey came in to contact with deadly asbestos which caused her terminal cancer, mesothelioma.

Tracey was diagnosed with mesothelioma on July 2, 2015 and died just seven weeks later on August 22, aged just 58. The disease only develops decades after exposure to asbestos, usually through working in close proximity to the substance when it is disturbed.

Paul, 54, said: “Tracey’s death was all so sudden. One month she had her diagnosis and the next she was gone.

“I know nothing can bring her back to me, but I just need to know how she came in to contact with asbestos.”

Tracey – then Tracey McLaughlin - left school in 1973 and went to work for Access Credit Card in Priory Crescent, Southend on sea, as a punch card operator.

She then worked in data control at Ford Tractor Plant at Cranes Farm, Basildon, Essex, between 1976 and 1989 where she went by her maiden name and then Brown following her marriage to her first husband, Chris, who also worked at the plant.

While it is believed that Tracey came into contact with asbestos at the Ford Tractor Plant, specialist asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are keen to hear from anyone who worked with her at any point during her career.

After being made redundant from Ford shortly before 1990, Tracey went to work for Spillers Milling, which later became Tilburry Flour Mill, where she worked in administration until 1991 before taking an eight-month temporary job at Van den Bergh Foods Ltd in Purfleet.

In 1993 she moved to Gily Car Vajal & Partners, in The Minories, London where she worked in computer administration for six years before joining Dedmans Properties in South Church Road, Southend where she worked in accounts.

Tracey spent from 2008 to her death working for The National Car Cleaning Company at Pendley House in Benfleet.

Expert Opinion

“We see first-hand the terrible consequences that asbestos exposure can have on so many lives, not just victims affected by mesothelioma but also their loved ones.

“Paul has been left devastated by Tracey’s sudden death and is understandably desperate for answers.

“While we believe Tracey may have been exposed to asbestos during her time at Ford Tractor Plant, we would be keen to hear from anyone who worked with her across her roles in Purfleet, London, Southend and Benfleet.

“Any information could prove vital in helping Paul get the answers he deserves.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lacey St James at Irwin Mitchell’s London office on 0203 040 3445 or email Lacey.StJames@IrwinMitchell.com

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.