A LIVERSEDGE woman who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition last year is appealing to former colleagues to come forward and help her get the justice she deserves.

Brenda Hartley, 88, was diagnosed with asbestosis in April 2017, several months after she was informed an existing lung disease problem had worsened.

She and her family have asked lawyers to investigate the cause of her illness, the inflammation and scarring of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure.

They are looking at whether it may be linked to the 40 years she spent working for British Belting and Asbestos Ltd in Cleckheaton from 1944 up until her retirement in 1984.

Mrs Hartley and her legal team are appealing to anyone who worked for the company during that period to come forward to hopefully shed more light on the presence of asbestos there.

Mrs Hartley was initially based at St Pegs Mill in Cleckheaton during her first couple of years working at British Belting and Asbestos Ltd, which was subsequently renamed BBA Aviation Ltd.

She later moved to the main BBA factory site at Moor End and was based in the weaving sheds, where she recalls asbestos fabrics like fire curtains and fire blankets were produced.

She said: “There were large pools of the thread and they were poured into the weaving shed. My role involved threading the asbestos through holes in the room and as the looms operated fibres would be released into the air. They would also get stuck on my fingers.

“It has been very difficult coping with my diagnosis, as while I was once very independent I have really started to struggle. I can’t drive anymore and I often need care at home. I have even had oxygen at home since August last year.

“It is hard to take that I may have developed this illness as a result of not being properly protected at work and I feel I deserve answers regarding how this happened. If anyone could help it would be hugely appreciated.”

Oliver Collett, the asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, said: “Through our work we see time and time again how the true consequences of asbestos exposure often only come to light many decades after the contact with the material has taken place.

“Our client was understandably devastated by her diagnosis and her health has deteriorated significantly since the news. As such we are determined to work quickly to help her gain the answers she deserves regarding the illness.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Irwin Mitchell’s office on 0113 394 6784 or Oliver.Collett@IrwinMitchell.com.