Former Leeds University Union employee Christine Brierley died in August from the asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma
The family of a Leeds woman who died from an asbestos-related disease is urging her former colleagues to come forward with information they have about the conditions of her workplace.
Christine Brierley died in August 2016 aged 73, just three months after she was diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma.
She worked as a domestic assistant at Leeds University Union from the early 1990s until just after her diagnosis. During this time, she would clean up dust created by workers carrying out building refurbishments.
After her death, her family instructed Thompsons Solicitors' specialist asbestos litigation team for legal advice, and is now urging anyone who can provide information about the working conditions and building works at Leeds University Union to come forward.
Christine's daughter, Tracy, said: “My mum was the most health-conscious person I'd ever met - she didn't smoke or drink alcohol and would exercise regularly, even in her 60s and 70s. No one could have predicted that she would be diagnosed with mesothelioma, and within just a couple of months of becoming ill she had lost a lot of weight and struggled to move. It was tragic.
“My family would be extremely grateful to anyone who is able to provide information about my mother's workplace as well as the building works and renovations carried out there.”
Marion Voss, the solicitor at Thompsons representing Ms Brierley's family, said: “The number of people falling victim of an asbestos disease remains in the thousands every year, affecting innocent individuals and families across the country like the Brierley's.
“Christine spent more than two decades of her career at Leeds University Union, so we are looking to speak to maintenance staff or contractors that worked on building refurbishments, or anyone with information about the general working conditions to help the family with its case.”
Anyone with information that could help Christine's family should contact Marion Voss at Thompsons Solicitors' Leeds office on 0113 205 6343.
“We urge the government to reconsider its stance on small claims, as siding with the insurers will do nothing but line their pockets while taking vital support away from those who need it the most.”
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