Book for mesothelioma sufferers launched before anniversary of Leeds legal case

It was April 2, 1996, when the legal proceedings started by June Hancock came to an end and she was awarded a five figure sum in compensation.

Tonight the charity set up in her memory, the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, holds an event to launch the Mesothelioma Handbook.

Mrs Hancock, who died in 1997, launched her legal battle over her exposure to asbestos as a child growing up close to the former JW Roberts asbestos factory in Armley, Leeds. Her case was the first to be brought by a sufferer who had not worked with the deadly material.

Adrian Budgen, national head of asbestos litigation at Leeds law firm Irwin Mitchell, who represented Mrs Hancock and is a trustee of the charity, said: “I think June would be proud to know that, 20 years after the end of the case, the fund is still providing vital support tools, including this handbook, to help people impacted by mesothelioma.”

The book, written by palliative care specialist Dr Helen Clayson, aims to provide straightforward information for patients, their families and carers.

All are welcome at the launch at Irwin Mitchell’s offices at 2 Wellington Place, Leeds, at 6.30pm.