A TERMINALLY-ILL Darlington woman has taken her battle against former employers to the High Court.

Valerie Cameron and her legal team believe she was exposed to toxic asbestos during her work at the Rothmans cigarette factory in Darlington in the late 1970s.

Ms Cameron recalls a period of six months during her employment when construction was taking place on a new extension.

It was during that time she believes she was exposed to deadly dust and fibres after external contractors worked to remove asbestos lagging from pipework.

The 57-year-old was diagnosed with terminal asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in May 2015.

She has now issued proceedings in the High Court as part of her battle to find out more about her exposure to asbestos.

Ms Cameron said: “My mesothelioma diagnosis was absolutely shocking and I’m still struggling to come to terms with it.

“I am very concerned about what the future hold for me as the condition develops.

“I have always been independent and was working at the time of my diagnosis but due to my illness I have been unable to continue and have had to move in with my mother so she can help me as my symptoms worsen.

“I hope that my former colleagues at Rothmans will come forward with the information I need about the presence of asbestos at the factory and the safety measures put in place to protect us.”

Her lawyer Roger Maddocks, from Irwin Mitchell, said employers should have done more to protect staff at the factory.

He added: “Both Valerie and her family are understandably extremely upset and angry that she has been given this devastating diagnosis and now just want answers as to how she could have become exposed to such a dangerous substance.

“Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and incurable cancer which causes a significant amount of pain and suffering for victims like Valerie who may have been unknowingly exposed at work.

“Employers should have been well aware of the dangers asbestos posed to workers and measures should have put in place to protect members of staff, and in turn their families, from the deadly substance.

“Nothing, sadly, is going to change Valerie’s diagnosis. But we hope, by taking the matter to the High Court, Valerie can get the answers she and her family are seeking.”