Mother of four diagnosed with asbestos cancer appeals for help from former colleagues

Kerry Lotery, aged 54 from Newton Flotman, near Norwich, believes she was exposed to asbestos during her time at painting and building contractor R H White Limited and says that she and her family “deserve answers”.

Records show Kerry, who used to be known as Kerry Slee (nee Fentum), worked as a bookkeeper for R H White between 1987 to 1991. After a short time away, she returned to work part-time in 1992 to around 1995.

The company was based at 76 Harman Road and around 1988 they moved to 52 Southbury Road, just outside Enfield Town Centre, where they were based until around 1994/95. 

Although her job as an administrative bookkeeper was office based, Kerry remembers interacting with the workmen daily when they attended her office to hand over paperwork. She describes the workmen as being very dusty from their jobs.

Kerry recalls R H White doing work for Enfield Council and says that it would tender for jobs such as rubbish clearance and fitting doors and windows. She says that this meant workmen she met with had been involved with rubbish clearance, carpentry, painting and decorating, and electrical and maintenance works, and that this left dust on their clothes. 

Kerry says her former colleagues may also remember that she was married to Alan Slee, who also worked for R H White. Alan, also known as Clint, did rubbish clearance, carpentry and general works around various council-owned properties. 

Kerry Lotery says:

“Not for one minute was I prepared to be told I had cancer and still to this day it’s incredibly difficult to comprehend, especially as I still have young children who I’m more worried about.

“While I’m determined to fight the cancer as much as I can for my family, as the weeks pass, I can feel my condition deteriorating. It’s extremely distressing to know there’s nothing I can do to change it. All I can do is make the most of my time with my loved ones.

“I need to know if my work had anything to do with my exposure to asbestos. I’d therefore be grateful if anyone could come forward and help. I feel answers are the least my family and I deserve. 

“At the time, I was known by my maiden name Fentum. I was the boss’s step daughter, and I recall working with Alan Slee – known as Clint – John Bending and Allan Wesley. If those names ring any bells, please get in touch.”

Leigh Day solicitor Daniel Easton said:

“Kerry’s story vividly highlights the risks associated with asbestos exposure and how anyone of any age can be affected by the material.

“We are appealing to anyone who knows or worked with Kerry, or worked at R H White Limited at the same time, to come forward and contact Daniel Easton on 020 7650 1226 or by email at deaston@leighday.co.uk.”