Did you know Annie Boothroyd (nee Page)?
The family of a grandmother are trying to find out more about where she grew up after she died from an asbestos-related disease.
Annie Boothroyd, nee Page, died, aged 85, in July 2007 of the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.
Annie, originally from Armley near Leeds, was diagnosed with the condition just six months earlier while visiting her son in New Zealand.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease.
Exposed to asbestos in Armley, near Leeds
It is believed Annie was exposed to asbestos when she was growing up in Armley. She lived next to the J W Roberts asbestos textile factory.
She lived close to the factory in the 1930s and regularly played in the streets which were contaminated with asbestos dust.
Annie’s daughter, Susan Oates instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors for advice about claiming compensation.
Thompsons wish to speak to anyone who may remember Annie as a child and know more about where she grew up and the conditions in the streets nearby the factory.
Did you work at Fairbairn Lawson Coombe and Barbour Ltd in Kirkstall?
They would also like to speak to anyone who worked with Annie at Fairbairn Lawson Coombe and Barbour Limited in Kirkstall. Annie worked there from 1935 until the 1970s making weaving combs.
They are interested in any information about the working environment during the time she was employed.
Susan said: “My mum was diagnosed with mesothelioma when she was visiting my brother in New Zealand. She didn’t know that her condition was caused by asbestos. She suffered terribly before she died. We had no idea that mesothelioma was such a dreadful disease.
“We wanted to highlight the dangers of asbestos to other people in the area who may have been exposed.”
She added: “My mum often told us about the conditions on the street she lived in when growing up. She said they used to play in the asbestos like it was snow. But we never knew exactly which street she lived in.
“I am sure there are people out there who will be able to help us find more information about where my mother grew up.”
Please contact Thompsons if you lived near the J W Roberts Factory in Armley in the 1930's
Marion Voss of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “It is important to Mrs Boothroyd’s family that they uncover more about their mother’s childhood in order to establish responsibility for her death.
“We would also like to trace her former workmates from Fairnbairn Lawson Coombe and Barbour Ltd just to be sure whether or not she may have been exposed to asbestos there. But the family are particularly keen to hear from anyone who lived near the J W Roberts factory in Armley in the 1930s who may remember Annie as a child.
Anyone who has any information should contact Marion Voss 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.