Family Appeals After Kent Woman's Asbestos Exposure Death

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News Summary

The family of Shirley Witcombe, who passed away from mesothelioma believed to be caused by asbestos exposure during her time at Astra Fireworks, is appealing for witnesses. They hope to gather information to support her legal claim and uncover the circumstances surrounding her exposure to asbestos. Shirley’s struggle with the disease highlights the ongoing dangers of asbestos in the workplace, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Family Appeals for Witnesses Following Kent Woman’s Death from Mesothelioma

The family of Shirley Witcombe, a Kent woman diagnosed posthumously with mesothelioma, is on the hunt for anyone who might have information regarding her potential exposure to asbestos. Shirley passed away in February 2024, and her loved ones believe she may have come into contact with this dangerous substance during her years of employment at Astra Pyrotechnics Ltd, also known as Astra Fireworks, in Sandwich, Kent.

Shirley’s History and Employment

Shirley’s working life at Astra Fireworks began in 1985, after she returned from living abroad in Germany with her husband, John, who served in the Royal Air Force. Within the company, Shirley held a position in a small hut where she was responsible for manufacturing fireworks, which included sorting components into canisters. However, little did she know that the very environment she worked in would later be the cause of a deadly illness.

Asbestos Exposure at the Workplace

At the munitions factory, the huts where Shirley operated were coated with corrugated roof sheets made of asbestos—a known carcinogen. Following the Great Storm of 1987, these roofs became damaged, potentially releasing asbestos dust into the atmosphere. To maintain cleanliness at her work surface, Shirley used a dustpan and brush, an action that could have inadvertently disturbed any concealed asbestos particles. Despite managing debris and components for the fireworks, she has no recollection of ever encountering atmospheric asbestos at her other jobs.

A Struggle with Health

Years later, after her retirement in 2000, Shirley began to face troubling respiratory issues in 2023. After a series of tests, including lung drains, she was referred to the hospital where a biopsy in November confirmed the devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma. Tragically, Shirley lost her battle with this illness just a few months later, passing away at the age of 78.

Continuing the Fight for Justice

Shirley’s family is determined to carry on her legal claim, which was initiated with Leigh Day, a law firm that specializes in cases related to asbestos diseases. They are appealing to the public for any individuals who worked at Astra Fireworks alongside Shirley, or during that era in the late 1980s, to step forward with useful information. The husband of the late Shirley Witcombe, John, emphasized the profound loss felt by the family and expressed the necessity for information that could assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding her exposure to asbestos.

Ongoing Asbestos-Related Cases

Shirley’s case is part of a larger and tragic trend. The family of a former lagger who was exposed to asbestos at Chatham Docks recently received a settlement after their loved one succumbed to mesothelioma. Likewise, the family of an Essex electroplater, who experienced a similar fate, is also reaching out for information that could further clarify the circumstances of their loved one’s exposure.

Recent Fire Incident in Sandwich

In related news, a fire broke out at the Embassy truck stop located on Ramsgate Road in Sandwich on February 23, 2025. Emergency responders, including seven fire engines, acted swiftly after being alerted around 3:37 PM. Residents and travelers in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. The firefighters undertook significant efforts to extinguish the blaze, utilizing breathing apparatus and various means to mitigate the fire. Operations concluded by 8:30 PM, and thankfully, there were no reported injuries. The nearby Roadhouse Diner temporarily closed for safety checks but aimed to reopen later in the week.

Conclusion

The loss of Shirley Witcombe resonates as a reminder of the persistent dangers of asbestos exposure. Her family’s quest for justice is not just about closure; it is about ensuring that others do not fall victim to similar circumstances. Anyone with relevant information about Shirley’s time at Astra Fireworks is urged to come forward, as their input could be invaluable in her family’s pursuit of answers.