June Hancock lived in the shadow of the J W Roberts asbestos factory at Armley.

For decades it spewed asbestos dust over the community. It closed in the 1950s, but more than 50 years later its activities are still causing deaths.

* Click here to watch latest YEP news and sport video reports.

Mrs Hancock's mother died of mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lung caused by asbestos. Mrs Hancock then contracted the disease in 1994 and sued the factory's owners Turner Newall.

* Click here for latest YEP news and sport picture slideshows.

The disease usually kills within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis.

Despite delays by the company's lawyers Mrs Hancock lived long enough to win her case, opening the doors to compensation for hundreds of victims. She died in 1997. The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund was established in her memory.

The British Lung Foundation is working with the fund to support new research which could lead to better treatments.

Dr Stefan Marciniak, who heads a research group at the University of Cambridge, has been awarded a two-year grant worth £118,839 for research into mesothelioma.

Through his research he hopes to gain a better understanding of why the cancer progresses. This will help scientists to create new ways of combating the disease.

Dr Marciniak said: "I am thrilled to be awarded the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund grant by the British Lung Foundation.

"As a chest physician I treat patients with pleural disease. I hope to be able to take my findings out of the laboratory to improve the treatments available to my patients ."

Noemi Eiser, honorary medical director for the British Lung Foundation, said: "Someone dies from mesothelioma in the UK every five hours. This study could really make a difference."

Kate Hill, spokeswoman for the fund, said: "The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund is committed to supporting research that will find new ways to provide real benefits for patients.

* To donate to the fund visit: www.junehancockfund.org