Family of June Brawls appealing to her former colleagues for information about asbestos at council offices

The hidden danger of asbestos in the workplace

The family of June Brawls, a former cleaner for Rochdale Borough Council who died of asbestos-related cancer, are appealing to her former colleagues for information about asbestos at council offices at the Whitworth Road Depot.

Mrs Brawls, from Rochdale, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2015 and lost her battle with the aggressive disease in August the same year, aged 61.

Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and is caused by asbestos exposure decades before the symptoms begin to show.

Mrs Brawls' family believe she was exposed to asbestos whilst a cleaner for Rochdale Council at the Whitworth Road Depot, working there between 1988 and 1991 and then from 1995 to 2004. They have instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate her case and whether more could have done by her ex-employers to protect her from the deadly dust.

During that period, the depot underwent a decontamination process where the asbestos ceilings were removed. Mrs Brawls' family say the process lasted for around two weeks, during this process June was left exposed to the dust while cleaning. up.

Together, the family and their legal team at Irwin Mitchell are appealing to anyone who worked with June, or at the depot during her employment there, to come forward if they have any information on working conditions or renovations at the depot.

June Brawls

Dominic Hemsi, an expert industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Mrs Brawl’s family, said: “Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. The dangers of asbestos have been known for decades and warnings as well as adequate protection should have been offered to those in contact with asbestos.

“June’s family was devastated by her diagnosis and quick decline and we are committed to getting answers for them. We would like to speak to anyone who worked at the Whitworth Road Depot who could give information about the presence of asbestos there.”

Mrs Brawls, a keen walker, was diagnosed with the disease in January 2015, after suffering with fatigue, weight loss and breathlessness. After her diagnosis she was treated at the Royal Oldham Hospital and the Wythenshawe Hospital.

Francis Brawls, 43, one of two daughters June had with her husband Robert, said: “Mum had always been fit and healthy prior to her diagnosis. She would regularly go on walks and she enjoyed being active.

“Looking back, it was horrible to see how the illness affected mum and I would be hugely grateful if anybody who did work with her was able to get in touch and provide information to help us understand how she came to fall ill.”

Asked to comment, a spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: "We don’t comment on individual ongoing cases."

Anyone who worked with June and can provide any information about asbestos at the Whitworth Road Depot is asked to contact Rosemary Anson at Irwin Mitchell:

rosemary.anson2@irwinmitchell.com
0370 1500 100