Asbestos killed my mum in her 40s – was her school to blame?

Caroline Bryan's life was turned upside down when she discovered her mother had died of mesothelioma at the age of 46. Mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, is linked to asbestos exposure. Caroline, who died at 46, believed her mother may have been exposed to asbestos during her time at school in the 1990s. Her family, including her daughter Brooklyn, is taking legal action against the local authority, Cardiff council, alleging negligence.

Caroline's mother, who was a stay-at-home mum, had no other occupation that would expose her to asbestos. The family claims asbestos was extensively used at the school during Caroline's time there. The council's own documents support this claim, stating the buildings were in poor condition with damage to walls, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles.

Brooklyn, Caroline's daughter, is fighting for justice not just for her mother, but to prevent others from suffering the same fate. Mesothelioma, often diagnosed in people over 80, has seen an increase in cases among younger people in recent years. This could be due to asbestos fibres deteriorating and releasing more fibres over time, exposing new generations.

Cardiff council reassures the public that asbestos management in their buildings is taken seriously, but the family is determined to seek justice and protect others from this devastating disease.