Did you work with Dorothy Booth?
The family of great grandmother who worked in a munitions factory during the Second World War are appealing for information about her employers after she died from an asbestos related disease.
Dorothy Kerslake, then known as Dorothy Booth, worked for Raleigh Cycle Co Ltd in Lutterworth in Leicestershire between 1940 and 1945. She was in her late teens / early twenties at the time and was employed making shell cases for munitions being used by British Troops in the Second World War.
Mrs Kerslake sadly died in December 2010, aged 86, a few months after she was diagnosed with asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, caused only by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease which can develop decades after exposure.
Exposed to asbestos at factory
Mrs Kersake, who left behind three adult children, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, believed she was exposed to asbestos whilst working at the Lutterworth factory.
During her life she instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons would like to hear from anyone who worked alongside her at the factory to find out more about the working conditions.
Mrs Kerslake’s daughter, Tina Robbins said: “My mother’s death was very quick. We know from her that asbestos was present in the factory but we would like to hear from anyone who worked there or has any information that might help.”
Please contact Thompsons if you worked at Munitions Section at Raleigh Cycle Co Ltd
Phil King from Thompsons Solicitors added: “We have evidence that Raleigh Cycle Co had a factory in Lutterworth which made anti aircraft gun cartridge cases during the Second World War and would like to speak to anyone who worked at that factory between 1940 and 1945.
“It is important we build up an accurate picture of her working conditions during her time working at the factory.”
Anyone who worked at the Munitions Section at Raleigh Cycle Co Ltd, Vedonis Works, Lutterworth should contact Phil King on 08000 224 224.
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.