Mesothelioma
The family of a North East woman is appealing for former employees of Dunston power station to get in touch after their mum died from an asbestos related cancer.
Geoff Bell, 50, who now lives in Wakefield, is looking for people who worked at the now demolished power station during the 1970s.
His mum, Mary Winifred Bell, from Winlaton, died in December 2007 from mesothelioma, aged 79.
The mother of two and grandmother of three, known as Winnie, worked as a cook and server at the canteen in Dunston power station during the 1970s.
Mesothelioma, is a cancer of the lining of the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos.
Winnie’s family and lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors believe she was exposed to the dust while working at the power station.
They are now pursuing a claim for compensation from her former employers, RWE Npower PLC.
Geoff said: “It was a real shock when my mum was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The time between her diagnosis and her death was so quick. She felt it was right for her to pursue compensation.
“We have taken up her cause following her death as we recognise how important it was for her to look out for her children and grandchildren’s interests.”
Asbestos has Devastated the Lives of Women
Thompsons Solicitors, are keen to speak to anyone who worked at Dunston power station in the 1960s and 1970s.
Client representative at Thompsons Solicitors, Marion Voss, said: “Many people mistakenly believe mesothelioma is a disease which only affects elderly men who previously worked in heavy industry or construction.
“However we are now seeing an increasing number of tragic cases where asbestos has devastated the lives of women, like Mrs Bell.
“It is important we build up an accurate picture of Mrs Bell’s working history including her time at Dunston power station.
“We need local people to contact us who have worked at the power station to help us advise Mrs Bell and her family. If anyone has any details which they think may assist please get in touch with us.”
Anyone with any information should contact Marion Voss at Thompsons Solicitors on 0113 205 6300.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.