MoD sued over fire cancer claim

The woman claims the fire meant she was exposed to asbestos

A lung cancer sufferer is suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD), claiming her illness was caused by being exposed to asbestos when she was seven years old.

She claims she developed mesothelemia after an explosion during a fire at an MoD site near her home in Donnington, Shropshire, in 1983.

The 31-year-old mother from Telford is now seriously ill in hospital. The MoD said it was looking into her claim.

Others who feel they were affected have been asked to attend a public meeting.

There may be several other people who may be affected by the disease Linda Fletcher, solicitor

Solicitor Linda Fletcher said her client, who has three children, was one of the youngest people to suffer from mesothelemia - an aggressive form of cancer.

The building contained asbestos and the fibres were let off into the atmosphere and settled on the surrounding area during the fire.

Ms Fletcher said her client sought medical treatment for a swollen stomach last year, which has since been diagnosed as a tumour.

"One of the biggest factors that has come to light following this case is that there may be several other people who may be affected by the disease," she said.

"But (they) are unaware as the incubation period is usually 20 years - it will lay dormant in the body for years."

Ms Fletcher is holding open meetings in Meeting Point in Telford on Monday and Tuesday and said she had already spoken to up to 30 people with concerns.

A spokeswoman for the MoD said as it was an ongoing case and could not comment any further.