Woman's cancer death 'linked to years of washing husband's clothes'

Woman's cancer death 'linked to years of washing husband's clothes' Veronica died a week after being diagnosed with cancer A mum died from cancer after she was exposed to deadly asbestos while washing her husband's dusty work clothes more than 30 years ago, her family claim. Veronica Kidman was told she had mesothelioma - a terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure - in January this year. The former medical secretary died just one week later, aged 72. Her heartbroken family think she was exposed to asbestos while hand-washing the filthy overalls of her late husband Ian, who was a BT field engineer between 1971 and 1989. Before her death, mum-of-two Veronica recalled how Ian would regularly return home covered in a "great deal of dust" covering his clothes and hair. She would hand wash his work clothes several times a week, which would get so dirty and dusty that she often had to scrub them three times over. Ian's role took him to homes, businesses and BT repair centres where he fixed telephone and switchboard faults. His family believe he may have worked in buildings containing asbestos-lagged pipes while installing phone lines. They also fear he came into contact with asbestos during his job. They now believe fibres brought home from Ian’s site visits may have led to the grandmother-of-three's fatal illness decades later. Daughter Becky Irwing, 41, and son Gareth Kidman, 44, are appealing to anybody who may have worked with their dad to come forward with any information they might have about working with asbestos. Becky, of Norwich, said: “Mum was always cheerful and full of energy. She loved keeping busy and attended regular classes at the local leisure centre. "She loved pilates and enjoyed weekly walks with a local Wymondham walking group as well as getting out with her beloved dogs Archie and Monty who she adored. I think that’s why we knew something wasn’t right when she started becoming tired so often, although at the time we had no idea what was causing it. “We barely had time to process her diagnosis before she was sadly taken from us. Saying goodbye to mum was incredibly painful. Her condition deteriorated so quickly and I try my best to remember her for the happy times we shared, not how fragile she became towards the end. “I know dad would have been devastated to learn that his work may have contributed to mum’s illness if he were still here today. It wasn’t his fault. Like so many others, he should have been properly protected. "Sadly, the mistakes of the past continue to affect families like ours many years later. We’re hoping that anyone who knew mum and dad can help us piece together answers.” Veronica and her husband married in November 1977 and lived together in Epping, Essex. The couple later moved to Mildenhall in Suffolk but Ian died suddenly in July 2014 following a brain haemorrhage. Veronica later retired to Wymondham, Norfolk in 2017 with her beloved dog Archie. Veronica began to experience symptoms two years before her diagnosis, which included extreme abdominal pain, lower back pain, bloating and fatigue. She attended A&E multiple times in November and December 2025 with issues affecting her immune system. A CT scan in December identified a mass on her abdomen, and a biopsy was taken on December 23. Veronica was admitted to hospital on 6 January 6 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma on January 8. She died in hospital on January 15. Veronica’s family are now using Action Mesothelioma Day to warn of the continued risk of asbestos. Natalia Rushworth-White, an asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Veronica’s family, said: “Veronica’s death is another tragic reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created. “While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry, its use was widespread across many occupations as well as in residential and public buildings. We are also seeing a rise in the number of people, mostly women, being affected through secondary exposure such as washing work clothes. “Even though Ian’s work took place in the 1970’s, the risks of asbestos were still well-known and employers had a duty to ensure the safety of their employees. Asbestos continues to pose a very real risk across the UK, and Action Mesothelioma Day serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact asbestos exposure continues to have on families. “If any of Ian’s former workmates could come forward with information about the conditions he faced, it could prove vital in establishing how Veronica was exposed and would mean a great deal to their loved ones.” The family are keen to hear from anyone who worked at the Chingford or Leytonstone telephone exchanges in East London, where Ian was based. He also worked at the Mile End telephone exchange and Walthamstow telephone exchange. A BT Group spokesperson said: “We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs Kidman. We have not received any legal claim from Mrs Kidman’s family, so it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”