Woman Believes She May Have Breathed In Hazardous Material On Overalls Of Workmen Who Visited Office

A mum-of-four has been diagnosed with terminal asbestos cancer – and believes it was caused by her job as a bookkeeper.  

Kerry Lotery, aged 54, lives with peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer in the abdomen, most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following her diagnosis, Kerry, of North London, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness and whether it’s linked to her work history.

Former Enfield bookkeeper calls on ex-workmates for help following mesothelioma diagnosis

Kerry is now joining with her legal team in appealing to her former workmates to come forward with information that could help establish how she fell ill. They’re keen to hear from anyone who worked for RH White, a building contracting company in Enfield, where Kerry was employed as a bookkeeper.

They believe Kerry’s asbestos exposure may have been as a result of workmen covered in dust bringing the hazardous material into the office where she worked on their overalls.

Natalia Rushworth-White is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Kerry.

Expert Opinion

“Kerry and her loved ones understandably remain shocked and devastated by her diagnosis and what it may mean for the future.

“Sadly, her story is also yet another reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos, with Kerry failing ill many years after her initial exposure is believed to have occurred. What’s particularly upsetting is the young age Kerry is for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma.

“While it’s approaching the 25th anniversary of asbestos being banned in the UK, Kerry’s story vividly highlights the risks it still poses and how anyone of any age can be exposed to the material.

"Nothing can make up for what Kerry and her family are going through but we’re determined to help her obtain the answers she deserves.

“Therefore, if any of her former colleagues could come forward with information regarding their working conditions, it could prove vital to our investigation.” Natalia Rushworth-White

Mesothelioma: Kerry's story

Kerry was employed by RH White between 1987 and 1991.  She was a bookkeeper as part of the administrative team, but would often come into contact with tradesmen in dusty overalls who came into the office.

She now lives in Norwich with her husband, Mark McGiffin aged 51.  The couple have four children aged 22, 20, 13 and 11.

Kerry began to suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and severe abdominal pain in February 2024. She visited her GP and underwent some blood tests which suggested further testing was required.  Kerry underwent a biopsy in July, this year, which confirmed a diagnosis of mesothelioma.  She is hoping to start life extending treatment from a specialist hospital.

Fifty-four-year-old speaks out on illness

Kerry said: “Not for one minute was I prepared to be told I had cancer and still to this day it’s incredibly difficult to comprehend, especially as I still have young children who I’m more worried about.

“While I’m determined to fight the cancer as much as I can for my family, as the weeks pass, I can feel my condition deteriorating. It’s extremely distressing to know there’s nothing I can do to change it.  All I can do is make the most of my time with my loved ones.

“However, I also need to know if my work had anything to do with my exposure to asbestos.  I’d therefore be grateful if anyone could come forward and help.  I feel answers are the least my family and I deserve.”

She added: “At the time, I was known by my maiden name Fentum. I was the boss’ step-daughter, and I recall working with Alan Slee – known as Clint – John Bending and Allan Wesley.  If those names ring any bells, please get in touch.”

Get in touch

Anyone with information should contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791893or by e-mail at natalia.rushworth-white@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.