Grandmother Links Terminal Cancer to Childhood Hugs with Brother

A grandmother from Blackburn, Marie Pickup, believes that her terminal cancer diagnosis may stem from innocent childhood hugs with her brother, who was exposed to asbestos while working in construction. At 68 years old, Marie was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the abdominal lining, following a routine chest X-ray last year. The discovery revealed significant changes in her abdomen that prompted further investigation.

Marie’s brother worked as a joiner for Blackburn Corporation from 1980 to 1985, a period she recalls fondly. She remembers how he would come home covered in dust from his job, and she would greet him with hugs, unaware that this could have exposed her to asbestos fibers. “I used to hug him as soon as he got in,” Marie reflected. “It’s only now years later that I suspect that I was unwittingly exposed to asbestos fibers brought home,” she said, expressing her shock at the potential link between her cherished memories and her current health battle.

Seeking Answers and Support

Marie, who has three children and two grandchildren, now faces the painful reality that her diagnosis limits her ability to engage in activities she once loved, like gardening and spending time on her narrowboat with her husband, Tony. With her brother now deceased, she is determined to uncover how she contracted this illness. She hopes that others who worked at Blackburn Corporation during that time will come forward with information.

To aid her quest for answers, Marie has enlisted the help of specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. The firm has launched an urgent appeal for information regarding the refurbishment of council-owned deck access flats and renovation works on the Delph Estate during the 1980s, when Marie was known as Marie Halliwell. Her solicitor, Helen Tomlin, emphasized the broader implications of Marie’s case. “This is a stark reminder of the devastating legacy of asbestos exposure, which can affect not only workers but also their loved ones many years later,” she noted.

Tomlin pointed out that secondary exposure to asbestos is a serious issue, as many individuals unknowingly come into contact with harmful materials brought home by family members. “While nothing can make up for Marie’s diagnosis and its implications for her future, we are committed to helping her find the answers she deserves,” she added.

Community Call to Action

Irwin Mitchell is particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked on the renovation of deck access flats or was involved in the works on the Delph Estate in the early 1980s. Information from former workers could be crucial in helping Marie and her family understand the circumstances surrounding her exposure to asbestos.

“If anyone who worked for Blackburn Corporation during that time could come forward with information, it could prove key in helping Marie and her family,” Tomlin stated.

As Marie continues her battle with cancer, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of asbestos exposure, highlighting the importance of awareness and community support in addressing such issues. She remains hopeful that by sharing her experience, others may gain insight into the risks associated with asbestos and the impact it can have on families.