Veronica Kidman’s family suspects that her daily task of washing her husband’s dusty work clothes led to her tragic death from asbestos-related cancer decades later. Veronica, a former medical secretary, passed away just a week after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure. She may have unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers while cleaning the dust-covered overalls of her husband, Ian, who worked as a BT field engineer from 1971 to 1989.
Ian’s job involved visiting various locations to fix telephone and switchboard faults, potentially exposing him to asbestos-lagged pipes and resin. After Veronica’s death, her family believes that fibers brought home from these sites could have caused her illness many years later. Her children, Becky Irwing and Gareth Kidman, are urging anyone who worked with their father to provide information about his working conditions.
Describing Veronica as cheerful and active, Becky recalled her love for Pilates, walks with her dogs, and social activities. Veronica’s health deteriorated suddenly, with symptoms like tiredness leading to her mesothelioma diagnosis in January, ultimately leading to her passing within a week.
Veronica’s family is seeking answers about her exposure to asbestos, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with the material. They hope that insights from Ian’s former colleagues could shed light on the circumstances that led to Veronica’s illness. The family is particularly interested in hearing from individuals who worked at specific telephone exchanges during Ian’s employment. A spokesperson for the BT Group expressed condolences but noted that they had not received any legal claims from Veronica’s family.
Veronica’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of asbestos exposure, highlighting the importance of workplace safety and the devastating consequences it can have on families.