Former Newcastle-under-Lyme seamstress appeals for witnesses following mesothelioma diagnosis

Ann, from Sandbach, was employed by clothing manufacturer J Hammond & Co Limited at Enderley Mill in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area. At the time she was known by her maiden name Bradbury. She believes that she was exposed to asbestos between 1970-72 while she worked at the mill when she was in her early 20s.

She worked on uniforms, including hand-sewing army uniforms, but believes there was asbestos in the area surrounding where she worked, such as lagged pipes and in other equipment such as Hoffman presses. She worked alongside a number of other ladies, including Phyliss, Maud and Margaret.

Ann Rivers.

Ann was not warned of the dangers of working with asbestos and was not provided with any protective equipment to prevent her from inhaling dust and fibres as she worked.

Last year, having been referred for some tests, a CT scan detected some thickening at the bottom of her lungs. She was referred for further testing which resulted in a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Ann left Newcastle-under-Lyme when she got married and has lived in Sandbach for many years. She is an active member of her local church. She instructed Leigh Day to bring her claim following her mesothelioma diagnosis and is hoping that anyone with relevant information regarding asbestos at the mill will come forward.

Louisa Saville, associate solicitor in the Leigh Day asbestos team, said:

“We are hoping to identify Ann’s former colleagues or others who may have worked at Enderley Mill/J Hammond & Co Limited at a similar time – including seamstresses and members of the maintenance or facilities team. Anyone who may be able to assist in our investigations into her asbestos exposure. Identifying this information could be vital for Ann’s claim.”

Anyone with any information in relation to Ann’s case can contact solicitor Louisa Saville at lsaville@leighday.co.uk or call 0161 393 3530