In the United Kingdom, the June Hancock Mesothelioma Fund is one of the top charities dedicated to raising money to support research and provide aid surrounding malignant mesothelioma. The charity is named for June Hancock, a woman who died of the asbestos-related illness, but not before winning a significant legal victory against the American-based company behind what is known as the Armley Asbestos Tragedy.
Armley Asbestos Tragedy claims countless lives
The Armley Asbestos Tragedy refers to the numerous mesothelioma deaths linked to the J.W. Roberts asbestos factory, which was located in Armley, a community in west Leeds. The factory existed for over eight decades, and during its period of operations it did more than expose those who worked there to the deadly carcinogen. It also blew asbestos dust into the community through air expulsion vents, and left enormous piles of asbestos in its factory yards for children to play in and to use for “summer snowball” fights.
The factory began producing asbestos 32 years after it first opened in 1874, despite getting warnings as early as the 1890s that asbestos could cause the deadly disease that would later become known as malignant mesothelioma. It continued its operations until 1959, exposing over 1,000 nearby households to the deadly material. In the years since there have been countless deaths from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Among those who died was June Hancock’s mother, and in 1993 June was diagnosed with the disease herself.
Mesothelioma victim fights for her rights and the rights of others
Rather than simply succumbing to her malignant mesothelioma June Hancock decided to sue the facts owner, an American company called Turner and Newall. Though the company used numerous delaying tactics to stall the case, she and her attorneys took advantage of the American judicial process and laws that compelled companies to release evidence that allowed her to win her claim for compensation. Though her award was small by American standards, it made it possible for other Armley Asbestos Tragedy victims and their families to pursue similar legal actions. Today, the June Hancock Mesothelioma Fund continues to work on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families in the United Kingdom while honoring the memory of the woman who fought hard to seek justice against the asbestos company responsible for so many deaths.
If you have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and you need assistance, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
