THE family of a woman who died from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos from washing her husband’s work overalls have received a substantial figure in compensation.

Mary Pointer, from Saltburn, died in April 2014 aged 85 after a short battle with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure decades ago.

Before her death she told how she regularly washed husband Ronald’s overalls after he returned home from his job in the boiler room at Marchwood Power Station in Southampton, where he worked from 1955 to 1970.

The pensioner recalled his overalls were regularly covered in dust which she would inhale when it was released into the atmosphere.

Legal firm Irwin Mitchell launched legal action on behalf of the family against E.ON UK, which took over the liabilities of the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) premises where Mr Pointer worked.

A significant settlement has been secured for Mrs Pointer’s son Darryl and the rest of the family from the company after they admitted being in breach of duty in exposing Ronald and in turn Mary to asbestos dust and fibres.

Darryl Pointer, 50, said: “It was absolutely devastating to watch my mother suffer in the final months of her life. She should never have been in a position to be exposed to asbestos and I am delighted that we now have justice in her name.

“No amount of money will make up for the loss of my mum and it is extremely upsetting that her life was cut short simply by providing support to her husband and family. She had no idea of the dangers of asbestos and I feel like she paid the ultimate price for my dad’s company failing to protect him and our family from the deadly dust.”