Search For Answers Regarding Conditions At Blue Circle In The 1980s

The family of a Dunstable woman who lost her battle with asbestos-related cancer last year have teamed up with legal experts to launch an appeal calling on her former workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding the illness which led to her death.

Marion Stevens died aged 76 in November around a month after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of lung which is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos materials.

Following her death, her husband Robert, 85, instructed Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge-based Asbestos-Related Disease team to help him gain answers as to how her illness emerged and whether more could have been done to prevent it.

Now, as part of their ongoing investigations, the lawyers have joined with Robert to urge anyone who worked with Marion during her time as a wages clerk at Blue Circle’s factory in Houghton Regis in the 1980s to come forward and assist with their work.

Rosemary Giles, the Partner and asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Robert, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Since our instruction we have been working hard to develop a complete picture regarding when Marion may have come into contact with asbestos.

“We are now particularly keen to hear from anyone who may recall working with Marion in the 1980s and has information regarding the presence of asbestos in and around the Blue Circle site. Such information could ultimately prove vital in our efforts to help her family gain justice regarding this terrible illness.” Rosemary Giles - Partner

Before she died, Marion recalled there was a large cement works at Blue Circle and that a pit was dug on the other side of the road where the material would be extracted and produced.

Robert Stevens, who was married to Marion for 55 years, recalled: “She talked about how her work meant she was often close to people who would be covered in dust, while there was also a lot of renovation work taking place across her time there. We even attended an on-site social club on occasion too.

“It is only a few months since Marion passed and I miss her so much every day. While I know nothing will ever change what has happened to her, the whole family just feels like we need to push on with this work in order to gain justice on her behalf. If anyone is able to help us it would be hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Samantha Shaw at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office on 0370 1500 100 or email Samantha.Shaw@IrwinMitchell.com.

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