Asbestos link hunt over the death of mum
LAWYERS are investigating if a mum-oftwo who died from asbestos-related cancer was exposed to the deadly substance while working as a council cleaner.
June Brawls died in August 2015, aged 61, seven months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Her family fear she may have been exposed to asbestos while working as a cleaner at Rochdale council’s Whitworth Road depot from 1988 and 1991 and then from 1995 to 2004.
Some time during that period, June’s family believe asbestos ceilings were removed from the building.
They say the process lasted for around two weeks and that during the work she was exposed to the dust while cleaning up.
The family have now instructed solicitors at Irwin Mitchell to look into the case and are appealing to anyone who worked with June, or at the depot during her time there, to come forward if they have any information on working conditions or the renovations.
Frances Brawls, 43, one of two daughters June had with her husband Robert, said: “Mum had always been fit and healthy prior to her diagnosis. She would regularly go on walks and she enjoyed being active.
“Looking back, it was horrible to see how the illness affected mum and I would be hugely grateful if anybody who did work with her was able to get in touch and provide information to help us understand how she came to fall ill.”
June, a keen walker, from Whitworth, was diagnosed in January 2015, after suffering with fatigue, weight loss and breathlessness.
Following her diagnosis she was treated at the Royal Oldham Hospital and the Wythenshawe Hospital.
Dominic Hemsi, an expert industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. The dangers of asbestos have been known for decades and warnings as well as adequate protection should have been offered to those in contact with asbestos.
“June’s family was devastated by her diagnosis and quick decline and we are committed to getting answers for them. We would like to speak to anyone who worked at the Whitworth Road depot who could give information about the presence of asbestos there.”
Anyone who worked with June and has any information about asbestos at the Whitworth Road depot is asked to contact Rosemary Anson at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email Rosemary.Anson2@ IrwinMitchell.com.
A spokeswoman said Rochdale council could not comment on an ongoing case.