A former care home worker from Skelmersdale is calling on her former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with a fatal asbestos disease.

Nora Pheasant, 75, worked at The Hollies Residential Care Home in Werneth Park, Oldham as an employee of Oldham Council between 1978 and 1982.

Her role involved entering the home’s cellar at least twice a week to retrieve and store mobility equipment and furniture.

She believes she was exposed to asbestos that was used to lag the boiler and pipework in the cellar, which would be disturbed as she moved objects throughout the area.

Lancashire Telegraph: Nora Pheasant has been diagnosed with mesothelioma Nora Pheasant has been diagnosed with mesothelioma

At one point the asbestos was identified and removed by the council, during which time the residents were temporarily moved out of the home, but Ms Pheasant fears she had already been exposed to the dangerous substance before this happened.

After struggling with breathing difficulties, she went to her GP and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2021.

Ms Pheasant said: “It’s almost impossible to put into words how devastating this diagnosis has been. I feel like I have nothing to look forward to and the symptoms make daily tasks so much more difficult.

“I believe that my work at The Hollies has caused this fatal illness but I need my former colleagues to help verify this. With their help, I hope to finally get the answers as to how I developed this horrendous disease.”

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the body's organs, commonly the lungs, which is usually linked to asbestos exposure. It can often take more than 40 years for symptoms to develop after exposure.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, there were 2,369 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain in 2019.

Ms Pheasant has enlisted Thompsons Solicitors to help with her claim. The legal experts have been paving the way for asbestos litigation in the UK ever since it brought about the first successful asbestos disease claim to the House of Lords 50 years ago.

Paula Wrigley of Thompsons Solicitors, who is representing Ms Pheasant, said: “Nora has dedicated her whole life to caring for the vulnerable in her community. It’s tragic that the priceless work she carried out for Oldham Council has ultimately led to her being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“It’s vitally important that anyone who worked with her at The Hollies Residential Care Home comes forward to help get the answers she and her loved ones deserve.”

Anyone with information that could help Ms Pheasant with her claim should contact Paula Wrigley at Thompsons Solicitors via email on paulawrigley@thompsons.law.co.uk or phone 0151 224 1608.