Family demand answers as "kind and caring" Barnsley woman dies from asbestos-related cancer
“We had so many plans for the future, especially enjoying our retirement - all of that was taken away from us when she became ill”
The family of a Barnsley woman who died only months after being diagnosed cancer are appealing for information to find out if her disease was caused by asbestos exposure.
Jane Inman, of the Great Houghton area of Barnsley, has been described as “an amazing wife, mum and nannan” by family who are keen to find answers about the circumstances leading to her unexpected death.
In June 2024 she began experiencing shortness of breath and was admitted to hospital for tests.
After being diagnosed with mesothelioma - a form of cancer on the lining of the lung commonly linked to asbestos exposure -Jane started immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer, and chemotherapy.
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Tragically, her condition deteriorated and she died in January 2025, at 62 years old.
Husband Trevor, 63, said: “Jane was a kind and caring woman who lived for her family. She was an amazing wife, mum and nannan, and everything revolved around spending time together.
“We had so many plans for the future, especially enjoying our retirement, travelling and going on cruises, but all of that was taken away from us when she became ill. We even had to cancel a holiday to Palma we’d been really looking forward to.
“Jane loved nothing more than being with our grandson, whether that was days out to the seaside, visiting farms or spending weekends at the caravan in Skegness. Those were the moments she treasured most.
“When Jane was diagnosed, everything changed so quickly and she had far less time than we ever thought she would. As her illness progressed, she lost her mobility and eventually couldn’t walk, which was incredibly hard to see.
“Jane was so close to our grandson and her death has been incredibly hard on him.
“We know nothing can bring Jane back but we just want to understand how this happened and whether her work played a part in her illness. If anyone has any information, we’d be grateful if they could come forward."
Jane’s family has employed asbestos-related disease lawyers Irwin Mitchell to uncover if Jane had ever been exposed to the harmful substance.
She had worked for national beauty retailer Superdrug since 1992, when she was employed at the May Day Green site in town centre.
Later, she moved to the Cheapside store, also in Barnsley town centre.
The legal team say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Jane, as well as contractors, shopfitters or maintenance staff who may have been involved in refurbishment or renovation works at Superdrug’s Cheapside store during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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Kerry Ford, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell supporting Jane’s loved ones, said: "Jane’s family are still coming to terms with her death and the circumstances surrounding it. Her death is another example of the devastating legacy asbestos has created and the impact it has on families across the UK.
“While asbestos exposure is commonly linked to heavy industry, its use was much more widespread, including in public buildings such as shops. The change in retail and store layouts over the years meant that sites were often redesigned and re-fitted.
“What makes Jane’s death more shocking is the relatively young age at which she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
“Understandably, Trevor and the rest of her loved ones have a number of concerns about how she was exposed to asbestos. Nothing can make up for what they’ve been through, but we’re determined to at least provide them with the answers they deserve.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kerry at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4650 or email [email protected].