Asbestos exposure at work leaves Staffordshire woman with terminal cancer

A Staffordshire woman whose terminal illness was the result of being exposed to asbestos is urging for more awareness of the devastating effects.

56-year-old Sue Farrell from Tamworth was diagnosed with a cancer known as mesothelioma after breathing in asbestos fibres at work in a high-street pharmacy.

Doctors initially put her symptoms down to being COVID related.

"When I asked a consultant why it had taken so long to get a diagnosis, he actually told me I didn't fit the demographic." said Sue.

"It's known as an old mans disease.

"So, to be given that news - and it was literally just you have mesothelioma - unfortunately it's a terminal disease with a life expectancy of maybe 9 to 12 months.

"We all kind of plan our future but it all felt like it had all been wiped away. It's been horrific, and the disease has left me unable to work. I was a marathon runner and I can't do any of that anymore unfortunately.

"It's not as if I was a smoker or a drinker or did anything to instigate this disease. I literally just went to work.

"It only takes one fibre.

"Sadly a few weeks ago I met a girl who was 29 and she was diagnosed last year. I've also heard a young boy actually lost his life about a month ago and he was 20 years of age."

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