Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Asbestos Exposure

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News Summary

Janet Catterall, a 64-year-old woman from East Lancashire, has been diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure from her previous job. Despite enduring the shock of her diagnosis, she continues to work and seeks justice for the hidden dangers of asbestos present in her workplace. Catterall is calling on former colleagues to support her case against the companies responsible for her exposure during her career in engineering.

East Lancashire Woman Faces Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Asbestos Exposure

A 64-year-old woman from East Lancashire, Janet Catterall, has been diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma, a type of cancer largely associated with asbestos exposure. The shocking revelation marks a terrifying chapter for a woman once content in her office-based career, which she believed to be devoid of health risks.

A Journey Through the Asbestos Legacy

Janet’s career commenced in 1977 at Pendhill Engineering Limited, located on Sett End Road in Shadsworth. The company was primarily engaged in the manufacturing and refurbishment of large machinery tailored for the carpet industry. Little did she know that her employer harbored hidden dangers linked to asbestos, a material long known for its carcinogenic properties.

In late 2024, Janet sought medical attention due to a persistent cough that had begun to disrupt her life. An X-ray revealed a disturbing discovery: fluid on her left lung. Further medical examinations ultimately unveiled the presence of mesothelioma—an aggressive cancer almost exclusively connected to asbestos exposure.

The Aftermath of a Shock Diagnosis

The news of her diagnosis has devastated Catterall, impacting her life in unimaginable ways. The toll has not only confined her to medical facilities but has also made it difficult to care for her grandchild and pursue her passion for travel. Despite these challenges, Catterall continues to work as a GP receptionist, battling against her declining health while undergoing ongoing treatment.

Motivated to seek justice, Catterall approached industrial disease specialists at Thompsons Solicitors, eager to investigate the conditions under which she worked. She had held roles which she assumed were low-risk, working primarily in administrative and reception duties. However, her suspicions grew as she reflected on her frequent access to the factory floor—a place where the dust from asbestos-laden machinery was a persistent threat.

Unraveling the Hidden Risks

During her tenure at Pendhill Engineering, Janet’s responsibilities required her to navigate the factory floor, where she collected clocking-in cards and resolved administrative paperwork amidst dusty and hazardous conditions. After Pendhill closed its operations in 1979, Janet continued her employment with the parent company, Edgar Pickering Ltd. Her career eventually led her to Staplina Ltd and Pickering Staplina in Accrington, where she remained until 1986.

Even as she transitioned to different roles in retail, education, and local government, Catterall’s experiences in the engineering sector remained etched in her memory. Her initial belief that an office setting would shield her from hazardous exposure was shattered by the alarming reality of her illness.

A Call for Witnesses

In light of her diagnosis, Catterall is reaching out to fellow workers from Pendhill Engineering, Edgar Pickering Ltd, Staplina Ltd, or Pickering Staplina who were employed between 1977 and 1986. She seeks their testimonies regarding working conditions in hopes of bolstering her legal case against the entities responsible for her exposure to asbestos.

Emma Draper from Thompsons Solicitors’ industrial disease team is currently leading the legal proceedings. The ongoing quest for information regarding Janet’s asbestos exposure is not merely a personal fight but also an attempt to shed light on a serious public health issue affecting countless workers who unwittingly engaged with dangerous materials.

Impact of Asbestos on Generations

The plight of Janet Catterall highlights the grave legacy of asbestos, a cloud still looming over industries that relied on this dangerous material. As legal battles unfold, stories like Janet’s underscore the pressing need for heightened safety measures and awareness about the lasting effects of asbestos exposure on workers in various sectors.

Individuals with information related to Janet’s case or her former employers are strongly encouraged to reach out and assist in illuminating the dark past of this prevalent industrial risk.