Family of Rotherham benefits worker who died of asbestos‑related cancer seek information from colleagues
Family of woman who died of asbestos‑related cancer seek information from colleagues
The family of a former Rotherham woman who died of asbestos‑related cancer are seeking information about the offices where she worked from former colleagues.
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Angela Boothroyd, who spent nearly 30 years working for the Department of Work and Pensions in various locations, died aged 69 only four months after being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Before her death “kind, thoughtful and incredibly patient” Angela recalled working amid dust caused by drilling during office refurbishments including work taking place above ceiling tiles.
Angela’s family and their legal team are now appealing to anyone with information about the working conditions Angela faced during her time as a benefits worker.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with information from the late 1970s through to the 1990s about the Castleford and Rotherham offices.
Speaking about his late wife, her Angela’s husband Philip, 71, said: “She was the sort of woman who always put other people first, whether that was at work, with family, or just day‑to‑day life.
“She didn’t ask for much and she never complained – she just quietly got on with things.”
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the abdomen usually linked to asbestos exposure, often decades previously.
Following the 69-year-old’s death, Angela’s loved ones including husband Philip and son Nicholas, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate where she was exposed to asbestos.
She worked at Portland House, now Norton House, in Rotherham, from February 1985 however she began her career Castleford Benefit Office in Bridge Street in November 1976.
In December 1977, she moved to the Castleford office in Wheldon Road, where she worked as a clerical officer dealing with a wide range of benefit cases.
Dominic Riley, expert asbestos‑related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Philip and the rest of Angela’s family are devastated by her death which is yet another reminder of the dreadful legacy asbestos has left behind.
“While many may associate asbestos with heavy industry its use was much more widespread including in public buildings and workplaces.
“While nothing can make up for what they’re going through we’re determined to provide Angela’s family with the answers they deserve.”
Speaking about Angela, husband Philip added: “She was devoted to her family and especially loved being a mum.
“She also enjoyed the simple things in life – spending time at home, holidays together and keeping in touch with those close to her.
“She took real pride in her work and in doing her job properly, and she was proud to have spent so many years serving the public. Seeing her become ill and suffer in the way she did was heartbreaking.
“The cancer took hold so quickly and watching someone you love lose their strength, knowing there was nothing you could do to stop it, is something that stays with you forever.
“We can’t change what’s happened, but we want answers. If anyone with information can come forward it would mean so much to our family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dominic Riley at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6829 or email [email protected]