Do schools hold clues to cancer?

Reporter: by BEATRIZ AYALA
Date online: 01 September 2008

Solicitors launch inquiry into how Leigh contracted asbestos disease


LAWYERS have submitted a Freedom of Information request to Oldham Council following the death of one the UK’s youngest sufferers of an asbestos-related cancer.

They want to determine whether there was asbestos in three Oldham schools.

Leigh Carlisle, from Derby Street, Failsworth, was 26 when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer contracted by breathing in asbestos, last year.

Doctors are baffled as to how Leigh developed the disease, which usually affects people who have worked with asbestos.

The cancer often takes 20 years or more to reveal itself after exposure.

It is believed she may have contracted it as a schoolgirl while taking a shortcut through a factory yard where asbestos was cut.

Geraldine Coombs, specialist solicitor at Irwin Mitchell Lawyers, said: “We had been working with Leigh and her family to establish how she was exposed to asbestos.

“We know that she must have been exposed to it as a child.

“We investigated the possibility that she had been exposed while at school in Failsworth.

“A Freedom of information Act request had been made to Oldham Council for information about the school buildings where Leigh was a pupil.

“We know that asbestos in schools is a real problem.”

Leigh (28) died on Wednesday. Her partner, Michael Price, said: “Leigh had so much courage and strength. She was an inspiration to me and to many other people.”

He also thanked Oldham Cancer Support Centre. He said: “They did so much for Leigh, her family and me. They really took her under their wing and I could see the difference in her on the days she saw them.

“The centre staff are worth their weight in gold, but they need thousands in donations just to keep the doors open.

“It’s really important that other people who suffer from cancer know that kind of support is out there and that’s why we have requested that well-wishers who were thinking of buying flowers for the funeral instead make a donation to the centre.

“Leigh would have liked to think she helped the cancer centre to support other people.”

The funeral will be held at St Mary’s RC Church, Clive Road, Failsworth, on Thursday at 11am followed by interment at Failsworth Cemetery at noon.

Donations should be sent to Mrs DL Clark, Oldham Cancer Support, 672 Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 9DU.

Leigh’s mother, Sheila Carlisle, said: "Leigh is still very much a part of our family and always a treasured daughter, sister and auntie. Everyone is so proud of her."

Despite the diagnosis, Leigh stayed positive and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Last year she was a Pride in Oldham nominee, and her mother said that she deserved the nomination for her bravery.

Sheila said: “It does not stop her from battling on and fighting for the cause against cancer and helping other people.”

Leigh’s father, Mark, described her as “the bravest girl I ever met.”