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31
Jan 2022
Family seeks answers after ex-Harrogate ICI woman's death linked to asbestos
The family of a woman whose death is being linked to asbestos is trying to get in touch with her ex-work colleagues at the former ICI plant in Harrogate.
Cher Elizabeth Wray, who was known as Sharon Cooper until her marriage in 1990, died aged 63 from a lung cancer called mesothelioma — which is commonly associated with asbestos.
Ms Wray died in February 2019, leaving a husband, Michael, five children and seven grandchildren.
Before she died, she asked law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate how she had encountered asbestos.
Her family is now appealing to anyone who worked with her during her first job after school at the age of 16 to get in touch.
Ms Wray was a PA at ICI in Harrogate between 1971 and 1973.
ICI was one of the largest employers in Harrogate at the time. The company, which was founded in 1926, became defunct 14 years ago.
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Ms Wray started work at the plant when she left school at 16. She told Irwin Mitchell she was a PA but her role would see her move across the entire plant.
Dirt and dust
She recalled seeing colleagues undertaking maintenance on pipework and added that the pipes tended to be lagged. She said that the activity generated lots of dirt and dust.
Ms Wray left the company in 1973 when she had children. She did not return to work until 1986.
Her husband, Michael Wray, 68, said:
Office workers also affected by asbestos
Ian Toft, a partner at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Ms Wray's family, said:
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Toft on 0113 218 6453 or email ian.toft@irwinmitchell.com.
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