Inquest Finds Illness Linked To Washing Former Husband’s Overalls

The family of a former landlady from Knottingley who died earlier this year from asbestos-related disease which she linked to washing her ex-husband’s overalls have joined with lawyers to appeal for help in securing justice regarding her death.

Pamela Ogley died aged 74 in March around 12 months after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with asbestos exposure – following a biopsy at Dewsbury Hospital.

Prior to her death, Pamela instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office to investigate how she came into contact with the material and told the experts how she believed it may have been caused by washing her former husband John Jackson’s work clothes.

Now, her family have launched an emotional appeal for anyone who worked with John Jackson at C A Parsons in the 1960s or was employed at Ferrybridge C Power Station during its construction across the same period to come forward and shed light on the potential presence of asbestos at the site.

An inquest into Pamela’s death took place at Wakefield Coroner’s office on 24th October. The Assistant Coroner Mr Robert Longstaff concluded the cause was death by industrial disease. 

Mr Longstaff found that John had worked as a driver and delivered to Ferrybridge C Power Station. He found that asbestos was used in the construction of many power stations and that John had brought this into the domestic setting on his overalls, which Pamela washed and was therefore exposed to asbestos in this way.

Oliver Collett, the lawyer and asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office who is representing the family, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Many of our cases related to asbestos exposure in industrial environments, but this is one of several examples where an individual has seemingly come into contact with the material indirectly.

“Our clients are understandably devastated by their loss but are determined to continue with the case related to her illness. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who can recall working with John Jackson in the 1960s or has information regarding the construction of Ferrybridge C which could support our efforts.” Oliver Collett - Partner

Before she died, Pamela outlined how her former husband worked as a driver for North East-based engineering firm C A Parsons between around 1965 and 1968 and also remembered that he used to wear general issue brown and blue overalls throughout his time at the company. Her family believe he specifically delivered heavy plant and machinery to the turbine hall and boiler room of Ferrybridge C while the power station was being built. 

Pamela and John divorced in 1974, but they reconciled for brief period around 1978. During the latter period, it is thought he also worked at the Central Electricity Generating Board coal plant at Ferrybridge.

Pamela’s son Mark Jackson, 50, said: “The whole family remains devastated at losing Mum, but we are determined to continue with the search for answers that she began regarding her illness.

“She always maintained that Dad’s work could have had an impact on her illness and we would appreciate any help in further investigating this issue. Any amount of information could prove absolutely vital in our efforts.”

Anyone with information which may assist this case is asked to contact Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 234 3333 or email Oliver.Collett@IrwinMitchell.com.

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