Former Norfolk baked beans factory worker appeals for witnesses after asbestos cancer diagnosis

Sybil Titchmarsh (then named Sybil Stevens) was employed by HP Canning and subsequently HL Foods Ltd at the canning factory, which used to be North Walsham’s main employer. 

She helped to produce cans of HP baked beans and other canned products from around 1991 to 2000. Her husband at the time, Paul Stevens, also worked at the factory at the same time as her.

Sybil worked on the factory floor for around the first half of her employment before working as the lead auditor, which required her to access all areas of the factory.

Sybil recalls extensive pipework in the factory and that frequent maintenance took place on the pipes and machinery. The factory, which operated from 1931 and closed in 2002, has since been demolished. In 2015, housing developers discovered asbestos at site where the factory had once stood.

In 2025, Sybil, now aged 80, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos.

Following her diagnosis, Sybil instructed law firm Leigh Day to investigate her case.

She is now looking to hear from some of the hundreds of other people who worked at the same factory as they could have vital information about the presence of asbestos in the workplace.

Leigh Day solicitor, Andrew Cooper, who represents Sybil, said:

“We know that many old factories contained asbestos and that workers continued to be exposed to asbestos dust long after the dangers were well known. We would be grateful if anyone with information in relation to the H P Canning / H L Foods Ltd factory could come forward to help with Sybil’s legal claim.” 

If you can provide information that may help Leigh Day in its investigation, please email acooper@leighday.co.uk or call 020 3780 0430.