A 68-year-old grandmother, Marie Pickup, who is battling terminal cancer, suspects that her illness may have been caused by excessive hugging with her brother. Following a routine chest X-ray for former smokers, abnormalities in her abdomen were discovered last year.
Medical experts diagnosed Marie with peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the abdominal lining linked to asbestos exposure. Marie recollects hugging her brother regularly after his return from working as a joiner at Blackburn Corporation (now Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council) from 1980 to 1985.
The mother of three and grandmother of two suspects that the asbestos exposure might have occurred through her brother’s dusty work clothes during their hugs. Marie, residing in Blackburn, mentioned, “I remember my brother coming home from work covered in dust.”
“I used to embrace him as soon as he arrived, and I often witnessed my mother shaking out his work clothes in the kitchen to remove the dust.
“It’s only now, many years later, that I suspect I may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home. I am shocked and saddened that such an innocent act may have led to my diagnosis.
“Prior to falling ill, I enjoyed gardening and spending time on our narrowboat with my husband Tony. Unfortunately, I can no longer engage in these activities due to the discomfort in my abdomen.
“Although my brother has passed away, I seek answers about this situation and hope that anyone with information from their time at Blackburn Corporation will come forward.”
Following her diagnosis, Marie approached specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell for assistance. The firm is now appealing for details regarding the refurbishment of council-owned deck access flats and renovation projects at the Delph Estate in the 1980s, during Marie’s time known as Marie Halliwell.
Helen Tomlin, the solicitor representing Marie, commented, “Marie’s case highlights the long-term impact of asbestos exposure, affecting not only workers but also their family members in the future.
“We have unfortunately seen numerous instances of secondary exposure to harmful asbestos. This emphasizes that asbestos-related illnesses can affect not only those working directly with the substance.
“While we cannot change Marie’s diagnosis and its implications, we are committed to providing her with the answers she deserves.
“Individuals who worked at Blackburn Corporation in the early 1980s, especially those involved in the renovation of deck access flats or the projects at the Delph Estate, are urged to share any relevant information that could help Marie and her family understand her asbestos exposure.”
Select Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to your preferred news.
<p class="CIPAConsentNotice_cipa-info__pwt6J