Appeal for answers over Walsall woman's asbestos-related death

Doreen Sunnucks, from Willenhall, died on December 2018 – five months after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The aggressive cancer of the lining of the lung is commonly linked to contact with asbestos.

But before the 88-year-old died, she instructed Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office to investigate whether the illness was linked to her work history.

Now her family has called on anyone who worked with Doreen, while she was employed at Yale Security Products in Willenhall between 1971 and 1989, to come forward.

Solicitors hope colleagues may be able to provide information on the conditions she would have worked during her time on the site.

Anthony, Doreen’s son, said: “We were dumbfounded when mom received her diagnosis and it was shocking to see how quickly mesothelioma took hold of her.

“Losing her just before Christmas made that period incredibly hard.

"While we know nothing will bring her back, we want to understand how she developed mesothelioma and whether more could have been done to prevent it.

“It is too late for Mom, but we feel we need to honour her memory by at least finding out the answers she was unable to before she died.

"We would appreciate any help with this. Any piece of information could be vital."

The 88-year-old worked as a docket clerk and checker at Yale Security Products on Wood Street.

Satinder Bains, partner and asbestos-related disease expert who is representing Doreen’s family, said: “This is sadly yet another devastating case which highlights the huge impact that mesothelioma can have, with Doreen sadly passing away just months after her diagnosis.

“Prior to her death, Doreen told us of how she felt asbestos exposure may have occurred during her time at this company and we would be keen for more information regarding whether that may have been the case.

To help call Satinder Bains at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5281 or email satinder.bains@irwinmitchell.com