Lawyer Helps Family Seek Justice for Mother’s Asbestos Exposure

News Summary

The family of Marlene Broad, a former school teacher who died from mesothelioma, is pushing for answers about her asbestos exposure at Hareclive Primary. Her children, Matthew and Helen, are reaching out to former colleagues for information while raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos in schools. They are seeking legal support to navigate the complexities of their mother’s tragic story and the impact of asbestos on educators. Their quest highlights the urgent need for safety measures against hazardous materials in educational environments.

Heartbreaking Fight for Answers as Children Seek to Understand Mother’s Asbestos Exposure

In a poignant and tragic turn of events, the family of Marlene Broad, a former primary school teacher, is on a mission to uncover the truth behind their mother’s exposure to asbestos, a toxic substance linked to mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that claimed her life.

A Devoted Educator’s Life Cut Short

Marlene, who dedicated her life to educating young minds at Hareclive Primary School in Hartcliff, fell seriously ill in June 2023. Just months later, following persistent cough, wheezing, and severe pain, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October and sadly passed away three short months later in January 2024 at the age of 86.

With a teaching career that spanned over four decades, Marlene worked at Hareclive Primary from 1960 until 1999, a time when the school was under the management of Avon Education Authority. Her legacy as an educator is clear, but underlying her substantial contributions to the community is a troubling narrative of potential asbestos exposure.

The Asbestos Connection

Marlene expressed fears that her illness may have stemmed from interactions with materials she believed contained asbestos in the school. As she engaged in routine tasks such as pinning posters onto noticeboards, she suspected that these boards might have been lined with the carcinogen. Additionally, she supervised construction work, which included drilling boards to create shelves—another potential point of contact with harmful asbestos.

Moreover, her memories of an asbestos removal operation during the 1970s vividly illustrate the perilous working environment. Marlene recalled that staff were evacuated while asbestos was removed, yet little was done to ensure their long-term safety afterward. The presence of a caretaker who changed lightbulbs by removing ceiling tiles only heightens concerns surrounding potential exposure in classrooms.

Seeking Justice for Marlene

Now, Marlene’s children, Matthew (55) and Helen (58), are committed to seeking answers about their mother’s exposure. They are specifically appealing to Marlene’s former colleagues at Hareclive Primary School for any useful information they might possess that could shed light on her potential asbestos contact during her teaching years.

Their mission not only seeks closure for their family but also aims to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding asbestos exposure, especially in educational environments. As Helen noted, the family’s primary desire is to piece together the history of their mother’s exposure and bring to light the risks faced by teachers of that era.

Asbestos Awareness and Legal Support

As the tragedies surrounding asbestos exposure continue to unfold, organizations like Action Mesothelioma Day, taking place annually on July 4, serve as pivotal platforms for raising awareness of the disease and its devastating impact on families.

For those affected by asbestos-related diseases, legal support is available to help navigate such challenging scenarios. Irwin Mitchell, a reputable law firm experienced in handling such cases, stands ready to assist individuals seeking justice for asbestos-related illnesses, offering critical avenues for support and advocacy.

For further assistance regarding asbestos exposure, individuals can reach out to experienced lawyers, such as Tony Roberts at Irwin Mitchell, who work tirelessly to support those grappling with the repercussions of exposure to this hazardous material.

As Marlene’s family faces their heart-wrenching loss, their relentless quest for truth serves as a reminder of the ongoing battles regarding asbestos exposure in the community. It highlights the urgent need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring safe working conditions for educators and recognizes the enduring impact of such widespread hazards.