Witness appeal following Didsbury asbestos-related death

Vera Griffiths died aged 83 of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that is believed to have been caused when Vera worked as a telephone operator in GPO telephone exchange in Didsbury.

Vera, who grew up in South Yorkshire, worked at the GPO telephone exchange until 1962, when she left to have her son. It is not known exactly where she began working there. While working here, it is believed that Vera came into contact with asbestos.
 
Vera was diagnosed with mesothelioma, in April 2017 and died in April 2018.
 
Her son, Ian Griffiths, instructed industrial disease specialists Leigh Day after her death.
 
Ian Griffiths said: 
 
“Mum was fit and active before being diagnosed with mesothelioma, she enjoyed line dancing, walking, aqua aerobics and even the gym.
 
“She also lived a varied social life with friends and family, which included theatre, the cinema, attending quizzes and dining out.
 
“Longevity was a common factor on mum’s side of the family and I believe this disease robbed her of many more years of happy life.”

Louisa Saville, asbestos claims solicitor at Leigh Day, said: 
 
“Vera was employed by the GPO telephone exchange. Unfortunately, we were unable to get direct evidence from Vera about her work and how it is believed that she came into contact with asbestos.
 
“We are appealing for information from people who may have worked at the exchange at a similar time to Vera or that did the same job.”
 
Anyone who has information can contact Louisa on 0161 393 3530 or email lsaville@leighday.co.uk