Sylvia Wightman was only 57 when she died from an asbestos-related cancer
A Yorkshire man whose wife died from an asbestos-related cancer is urging her former colleagues at High Royds Hospital, Menston, to share any information they have on asbestos use there.
Sylvia Wightman died, aged just 57, from mesothelioma, a cancer that often affects the lining of the lungs and is linked to asbestos exposure.
Her family believe she may have been exposed to asbestos while working as a nurse at the psychiatric hospital between 1980 and 2000. She worked across the building in a number of wards, including during refurbishments.
Following her death, her husband, Mark Kidder, sought Thompsons Solicitors’ help in investigating whether a compensation claim could be made.
Sylvia Wightman, who died from mesothelioma, with her husband Mark Kidder
The life-changing effects of asbestos diseases caused from exposure in the past continue to have tragic consequences on families and communities in the present. Statistics show that the annual number of asbestos-related deaths is yet to peak.Marion Voss Senior work disease solicitor
“My wife was a well-known and highly-respected member of the nursing staff at the hospital, so I’m confident there will be people out there who remember working with her between 1980 and 2000”, he said. “We are asking anyone with specific information about asbestos use in the hospital – for example, whether it was used on the wards for insulation, or if you were a tradesperson or maintenance worker at the building – to get in touch.
“Mesothelioma has devastated our family. My wife and I were looking forward to enjoying retirement together. This will never happen now. All I can hope is that I can get some understanding of how and why she was exposed to the horrendous substance in the first place.”
Marion Voss, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “The life-changing effects of asbestos diseases caused from exposure in the past continue to have tragic consequences on families and communities in the present. In fact, statistics show that the annual number of asbestos-related deaths is yet to peak.
“We are hoping that Sylvia’s former colleagues can help Mark in his search for answers.”
Anyone with further information should contact Marion Voss at Thompsons on 0113 205 6343, or by email at marionvoss@thompsons.law.co.uk.
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