THE family of a Barnsley woman who died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma are appealing for help in their fight for compensation.

Former teacher Jessie Hector died aged 78 in September 2015, just weeks after being diagnosed with the aggressive cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Her son, Chris, an only child, believes she may have been exposed to the substance while at work and would like to hear from anyone who may have worked with her or at the same premises. Jessie, who lived at Market Street, Hoyland, before she moved into a care home suffering with dementia, went to work at Grove Street School in Barnsley ater having her son, working there from 1977 until her retirement in 2002.

Before that she worked in the factory at clothing manufacturers, Booth and Co, Hoyland Common, in the early 1950s, and in the export office at the Tunnicliffe works of Newton Chambers at Chapeltown until about 1968.

Chris, 50, of Fox Croft, Hoyland, said his mum was taken into Barnsley Hospital when she collapsed and it was put down to a water infection.

However, he was unconvinced and pushed for tests which revealed the devastating news. “I asked what they were going to do and it was just providing pain relief,” he said.

“They said her chances were three months, but it was just about a month short of three years when she died, she was a battler.

“She weighed just three-and-a-half stones when she died. I’m only pursuing this claim because one of the Macmillan Nurses said I should.

“I have got two children and any compensation will provide for them, that’s what mum would have wanted.”

He said when she was younger she and his father, Maurice, travelled the world.

Maurice died in August 2011. “I just want to know if anyone knows anything,” said Chris. “Probably there are thousands of people out there who have been affected by this.

“They say it takes one little speck (of asbestos) to affect you. It could have come off her clothes or someone in the office.”

The family solicitor, Charlie Bradley, of Corries Solicitors, said: “This is an awfully sad case. About one in six mesothelioma victims are women. I am appealing for any people who may have known Jessie Hector to come forward.

“If any of them can give me information about the work that she did this may help unlock the case.

“In particular former workers from Booths or Newton Chambers might have vital information which will help this family get the compensation for the loss of a dear wife and mother.”

Anyone with any information can speak to Charlie Bradley on 01904 527473 or by email on cxb@corries.co.uk.