Daughter Has Instructed Specialist Lawyers to Investigate Her Mother’s Exposure to Asbestos

A daughter, whose mother died a month after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, is appealing to her mother’s former colleagues for help as she battles to get justice for her death.

Janet Wilson, who lived in Westoning, Bedfordshire, died in November 2016, aged 73, just one month after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, with symptoms often taking decades to appear following exposure.

Following her mother’s death, Isabel Wilson, known as Bella, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how her mother was exposed to the fatal substance and whether more could have been done by her employer to protect her.

Janet was employed by Bedfordshire County Council as a cook at The Ampthill Social Centre on Houghton Close, Ampthill, a day care centre for the elderly, between 1976 and 2006. A Freedom of Information request has shown that there was deadly asbestos material within the fabric of the building.

Together, Bella and her legal team at Irwin Mitchell are appealing to Janet’s former colleagues at The Ampthill Social Centre to come forward if they have any knowledge of the asbestos present at the centre and how Janet may have come into contact with the substance.

Martyn Hayward, a solicitor and the asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Isabel, said: 

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“This is yet another tragic tale which highlights the devastating impact that asbestos exposure and mesothelioma can have on victims, with Janet passing away only a month after she was informed she had the illness.

“We are determined to help Isabel gain answers regarding how her mother was exposed to asbestos and whether more could have been done to protect her.

“To do this we need Janet’s former colleagues to come forward with any information regarding working conditions at The Ampthill Social Centre as it could prove vital in our efforts.” Martyn Hayward - Solicitor

Janet, originally from Neilston in Scotland, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2016, following tests at Papworth Hospital. During her life, Janet had been married to Bella’s father, Alexander Wilson, known to everyone as John for 40 years, prior to his death in 2006.

Bella, aged 52, said: “Mum was a hugely loved wife and mother and all her family and friends continue to miss her. It was heartbreaking to see her health deteriorate so quickly following her mesothelioma diagnosis.

“While nothing can change what has happened, I am desperate to understand how mum was exposed to the fatal asbestos that caused her illness. I would be hugely grateful to anyone who can come forward with any relevant information and help my legal team in their efforts.”

Anyone who remembers working with Janet at The Ampthill Social Centre should contact Martyn Hayward on 0114 274 4615 or email martyn.hayward@irwinmitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in mesothelioma claims.