Asbestos Exposure: Former Factory Worker Seeks Justice

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News Summary

Sybil Titchmarsh, an 80-year-old former employee of the HP Canning and HL Foods factory, is seeking justice after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Once a key employer in North Walsham, the factory closed in 2002, but asbestos was only discovered there in 2015. Sybil’s diagnosis in 2025 has prompted her to gather information from former colleagues to support her case against the legacy of asbestos exposure.

Former Factory Worker Appeals for Colleagues After Asbestos-Related Cancer Diagnosis

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Sybil Titchmarsh, an 80-year-old former worker of the HP Canning and HL Foods Ltd factory located in North Walsham, is on a quest to seek justice and answers after receiving a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer often linked to exposure to asbestos. Once a bustling hub of employment, the factory, which opened its doors in 1931 and operated until its closure in 2002, was among the main sources of employment in the area.

Sybil, who worked at the factory from approximately 1991 to 2000, initially started her career on the factory floor, contributing to the production of canned goods such as baked beans. Her dedication and skill saw her transition to the role of a lead auditor after about 18 months, a position that required her to traverse all corners of the production facility, exposing her to potential asbestos risks.

In a shocking revelation, it was in 2015, years after the factory’s closure, that asbestos was discovered at the former factory site by developers looking to convert the property for housing. This alarming discovery raised serious concerns among former employees and their families, particularly as the link between asbestos and severe health conditions became increasingly well-documented.

Sybil was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2025, a diagnosis that, along with the subsequent health challenges, has turned her life upside down. The connection between her illness and her time at the factory has sparked an urgent need for an investigation into the presence of asbestos and whether proper safety measures were implemented during her employment.

Following her diagnosis, Sybil took immediate action to fight for her rights and for others like her by engaging the law firm Leigh Day to investigate her case. She is particularly keen to gather information from other former employees who might possess knowledge or details regarding the potential exposure to asbestos while working at the factory.

Andrew Cooper, a solicitor from Leigh Day, is representing Sybil in her pursuit of justice. He has expressed grave concerns that many older factories, including HP Canning and HL Foods, were known to contain asbestos and highlights the fact that instances of exposure often continued long after the risks had been recognized and documented.

Leigh Day is reaching out to the community, encouraging anyone with relevant information about conditions at the HP Canning / HL Foods factory to step forward. The firm is particularly interested in hearing from former colleagues who might have witnessed or experienced similar conditions during their employment. This plea for information is critical, as it can not only support Sybil’s case but may also assist others affected by asbestos exposure in their pursuit of justice.

Individuals wishing to provide information can directly contact Andrew Cooper via email at acooper@leighday.co.uk or by phone at 020 3780 0430. This outreach aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the extent of asbestos risks within the former factory, which may prove integral in supporting Sybil and potentially countless others who have suffered similar fates.

The case stands as a reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by asbestos, a material that is estimated to have caused thousands of cancer diagnoses worldwide. The call for former employees to share their experiences reflects a broader need to address the legacy of asbestos exposure and advocate for stricter regulations that protect workers from hazardous conditions.

This article acknowledges adherence to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. For any complaints regarding editorial content related to inaccuracies or intrusion, please reach out to the editor directly. Additionally, information for submitting complaints to IPSO is provided.

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