A TERMINALLY ill former clerical assistant is appealing to her ex-colleagues for information after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.

Barbara Brady, from Minehead instructed lawyers to investigate her employment history after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lungs, on May 16.

The cancer takes decades to develop following exposure to harmful asbestos.

The 73-year-old mother-of-two worked at Barnet General Hospital's School of Nursing between 1979 and 1986.

Barbara spent most of her time filing, typing and liaising with students who wanted to study at the school, which involved arranging interviews, their accommodation and administration tasks to help them progress their application.

Barbara said: “My diagnosis was such a shock for me and my family and we’re still coming to terms with a now uncertain future. I’m absolutely devastated by the news and have so many questions about why I wasn’t protected from asbestos exposure.”

Barbara began to feel unwell in early 2014 when she started feeling short of breath. She was referred to Minehead Hospital by her GP for a chest x-ray in March 2016 which revealed an accumulation of fluid in her left lung.

Two months later, following a biopsy, Barbara and husband, Tom, were given the devastating news that Barbara had mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Barbara added: “I’m aware that there is no cure for mesothelioma. The diagnosis has come as an incredible shock to me and my family. I worry about what the future holds for Tom especially but I am trying to go about my normal life as best I can without dwelling on it all too much.

“My main hobby is walking and there is a large hill near my home that Tom and I used to walk up regularly. What used to take me 10 to 15 minutes now takes me around an hour with constant stops so I can catch my breath. It’s so upsetting to struggle with something I once found so enjoyable.

“I want to live the rest of my life as fully as possible and I am trying to be as positive as I can, but knowing why this happened to me is really important, not just for me but my family. So I’d ask anyone who might have information to be kind enough to get in touch.”

Virginia Chalmers from law firm Irwin Mitchell, representing Barbara, said: “Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust fibres. It is responsible for the deaths of more than 2,500 people in the UK every year.

“We are investigating Barbara’s exposure during her time at the school of nursing at Barnet Hospital and are incredibly grateful to have been contacted by a witness who kept very detailed records of her time there, which corresponds with Barbara’s employment."

Anyone with information regarding the working conditions at Barnet General Hospital’s School of Nursing in the 1970s and 1980s should contact Virginia Chalmers on 0117 926 1514 or email Virginia.Chalmers@IrwinMitchell.com