Appeal For Information Over Mining Companies

The wife of a former power station worker has launched a quest for answers to determine whether washing her husband’s work clothes resulted in her contracting terminal asbestos cancer.

Mavis Turton, of Alverthorpe, Wakefield, is battling mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

The 86-year-old has instructed specialist asbestos- related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness and help her establish how she may have come into contact with the material “before it’s too late”. 

With their work leading it to suspect that her cancer could be linked to washing her late husband Granville’s work clothes, Mavis’ legal team is appealing for information from anyone who may have worked with him.

The team is particularly keen to trace people who worked with Granville at mining machinery Company R Sutcliffe Limited based in Wakefield or at Eggborough power station, when he was employed by Foster Wheeler John Brown Boilers. 

“While we are involved in many cases where individuals have been exposed to asbestos in industrial environments, we are also seeing a number where people have come into direct contact with it through activities like washing clothes.

“Mavis’s case appears to be one of those instances and it is yet another important reminder of the dangers that asbestos can pose”.

“Whilst sadly medical professionals cannot do much for Mavis with regards to curing her cancer we are determined to help her gain answers before it’s too late. We will be grateful to anyone who would be able to help us our efforts. Any information could prove vital.”

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Mavis and Granville married in 1958.  They had one son.

Mavis worked as a shop assistant and an office clerk at a number of businesses including Economy Stores, Education Products, Appleyard car dealership and the Wakefield Express.

Granville worked at R Sutcliffe from 1956 to 1965, predominantly in the factory as a welder and plater, carrying out repair work.  He joined Foster Wheeler John Brown Boilers in a similar role in around 1966.  Granville and three other friends would take it in turns to drive to work at Eggborough power station.

Granville re-joined R Sutcliffe in around 1968 remaining in the company until his retirement in 1990.

He died, aged 65, in 2002.

Mavis developed symptoms including shortness of breath towards the end of last year.  Following tests she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

She said “Throughout all of that time I remember that Granville always used to wear a work shirt and jeans, regardless of who he was employed by.  He generally wore the same set for a couple of shifts and then would stick them in the washing basket. 

“They would always be dusty and dirty so I would always give them a good shake before putting them in the washing machine”.

She added “Receiving my diagnosis was a massive shock.  Initially I couldn’t think of how I could have been exposed to asbestos.  It was only overtime that I realised it may have been from sorting Granville’s clothes”.

“I know that the doctors cannot do much but I am desperate to know how this happened.  I would appreciate any help in getting answers regarding that issue.   It would mean the world to me”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hannah Robinson at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 394 6842 or email hannah.robinson@irwinmitchell.com