Family appeal for answers after death

A family are appealing for information in relation to the death of their mother after being exposed to deadly asbestos.

Iris Armstrong, who lived in Fencehouses, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a fatal form of lung cancer, in April 2018 but died just over a year later, aged 82.

Now her family are appealing for colleagues employed at the clothingfactoryNHyers Ltd, later known as Bairdwear, to come forward with any information about the presence of asbestos onsite following her death.

MrsArmstrongjoinedthe Fencehouses-based firm as a machine operator in 1968, rising to become manager.

Intherole,shewouldvisit the boiler room to chase up maintenance workers and maylikelyhavebeenexposed to deadly asbestos dust.

Throughout her employment, Mrs Armstrong was never warned of the dangers of asbestos in her workplace.

Now, Mrs Armstrong’s family are hoping to contact herformercolleaguestohelp piece together any more detailsaboutexposuretoasbestos at work. Mrs Armstrong’s daughter, Lisa Clennell, said: “We are keen to shed a light on this issue – not only to find answers for my mam, but to see if anyone else has been affected in our community.” Heather Ruddick, asbestos disease solicitor at Thompsons, said: “We are appealing for any individuals employed by clothing manufacturer N Hyers Ltd, later known as Bairdwear, in Fencehouses to come forward with details.”

ContactHeatherRuddick on 0191 2690449 or heatherruddick@thompsons.law. co.uk.