FORMER workmates of a woman stricken by the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma are being urged to come forward.

Christine Monkley, whose maiden name was Collingwood, worked in textile factories and in a bedding factory in Consett, County Durham, and Gateshead, during the 1960s and 1970s.

She was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma three years ago and continues to fight the disease – and needs former colleagues as witnesses to support her claim for compensation for contracting an industrial disease.

Mrs Monkley, 69, of Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, said: “When they hit me with it and tell you there is nothing they can do it was gobsmacked.

“I could not take it in but I never cried. You cannot absorb what they are telling you. You feel like you have gone to another planet. They are talking to you but you are not quite listening. I came out in a fog. It is weird but I am a tough person and I try to think positive.

“When you are ill it knocks you sideways and when you cannot breathe it is scary.”

I cannot get out the door at the minute because I have not been well and even walking up the stairs is difficult.”

Mrs Monkley, who was originally from Blackhall Mill, has three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, worked as a machinist at I and R Morley Glove Factory in Consett, a factory on the Team valley and Universal Bedding, in Swalwell.

Her lawyer, Charlie Bradley, of York-based Corries Solicitors, said her illness was believed to be a result of exposure to asbestos found in insulation in the factories, presses used in the textile factories and asbestos used in the manufacture of ironing boards.

He said: “As a seamstress, Christine believes she was exposed to asbestos from the insulation on heating pipes in the factory and the pads contained in industrial presses known as Hoffman Presses which are a known source of asbestos exposure in the USA.

“Christine went on to work in a bedding factory which also made other household products for sale in catalogues and it is known that the factory made ironing boards which contained an asbestos pad on which the iron sat. It is believed that these pads were cut from asbestos sheeting in the factory.”

Anyone who can help email CXB@Corries.co.uk or contact Mr Bradley on 01904-527473.