A 64-year-old woman is appealing to her former colleagues after being diagnosed with terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

Lesley Wilkinson worked for Tebro Toys Limited at the soft toy manufacturer’s premises at Bowling Mills/Douglas Mill.

She was at the now-liquidated company between 1977 and 1982.

Lesley is now looking for answers to questions sparked by a shock diagnosis of mesothelioma.

She would like former colleagues to come forward with information regarding the potential presence of asbestos in the Bradford premises where they worked.

Lesley’s connection with Tebro Toys Limited goes beyond her professional life. 

As a child growing up in Bradford, Lesley spent time at the factory with her mother, who worked there and would sometimes bring her along. 

Lesley went on to work in the packing department of the same factory in the late 70s and early 80s. 

Tebro Toys Limited occupied part of the old Grade II listed warehouse buildings at Douglas Mills and Bowling Mills in Bradford. 

It is believed these sites could have contained asbestos, according to Leigh Day solicitors. Lesley’s day-to-day work included packing finished toys into boxes, putting labels on them and then stacking them in an area ready to be collected by the wagons. 

It is believed that there was asbestos in the fabric of the building, lagged pipes and other equipment.

Asbestos materials may also have been present in the machines used for toy production.

Following her mesothelioma diagnosis, Lesley approached law firm Leigh Day to investigate the possible use of asbestos at the factory during this period.

Louisa Saville, senior associate solicitor in the Leigh Day asbestos claims team, said: “Mesothelioma is an incurable, devastating disease that develops decades after an individual’s exposure to asbestos. 

“As it is an old mill building, and the type where asbestos often would have been present, we would like to investigate whether Lesley would have been exposed to asbestos here.

“I encourage anyone with relevant information to contact us, particularly other fellow employees who worked in similar areas of the Mill who can confirm whether there was asbestos present where Lesley worked and how she may have come into contact with it. 

“This information may be vital to her legal claim, and could help shed light on the potential workplace dangers that may have affected Lesley and others.”

Anyone who might have relevant information should email lsaville@leighday.co.uk or AMapp@leighday.co.uk

Alternatively people can call 0161 672 5308.