Woman Claims Her Cancer Was Caused By Washing Asbestos-ridden Clothes

A mother-of-three believes washing her late husband's asbestos-ridden clothes caused her incurable cancer.

Vivienne Swain, 60, has mesothelioma – a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is associated with exposure to asbestos.

Vivienne's late husband, Michael Power, worked as a joiner for Manchester City Council, but died from a brain disease in his early forties. Now, Ms Swain believes she may have come into contact with asbestos when washing his clothes.

Ms Swain, who lives in Rochdale, sought medical advice after struggling to breathe. She was diagnosed with the disease in August 2015, and was given just three years to live.

She said:

"I would shake the overalls before washing them and they would be heavy with dust – so much so that it would cover the kitchen floor, and I'd have to sweep it up.

"I believe these were asbestos fibres."

Vivienne is now working with specialist asbestos disease solicitors to investigate her case. She is also urging anyone who worked for Manchester City Council as joiners between 1969 and 1977 to come forward with information.

If you believe your health has suffered due to your choice of work, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to our team on 0800 810 1010 for more information.

Whitestone Solicitors

Industrial Disease Compensation