The family of a former Marks and Spencer shop assistant have asked lawyers to investigate whether working at the retailer’s Hereford store caused her asbestos-related cancer death.
Diane Clements, of Hereford, died just three months after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. A terminal form of cancer, usually of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma, is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.
Following Diane’s death aged 74, her family instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate where she was exposed to asbestos and secure answers.
Diane’s children Christopher and Grant Clements, aged 50 and 48, have now joined their legal team in appealing for information about the working conditions their mum faced.
They’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Diane at Marks and Spencer’s store in Hereford High Street where Diane worked for more than 30 years.
Stephen Fitzwalter, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer representing Diane’s loved ones, said: “Christopher and Grant are still coming to terms with their mum’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.
“While exposure to asbestos is commonly linked to heavy industry, its use was much more widespread, including in public buildings such as shops and department stores. The change in retail and store layouts over the years meant that sites were often redesigned and re-fitted.
“Understandably Diane’s family have a number of concerns about how she was exposed to asbestos. Nothing can make up for what they’ve have been through, but we’re determined to help them uncover the facts behind her asbestos exposure and provide them with the answers they deserve.
“If anyone who either worked with Diane or has information about the store could come forward, it could prove vital to our investigation.”
Diane started working at the site as a retail assistant in 1966 when it was the former Greenland’s store. Marks and Spencer bought the building two years later, with Diane working there until 2005.
Diane’s health began to decline in early 2025. Initially, it was thought she was suffering from gastrointestinal issues, but tests revealed fluid on her lungs. Following a biopsy, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2025.
However, her health continued to deteriorate, and she died on 23 August.
Speaking on behalf of the family Christopher, said: “Mum was a kind, caring woman who always put her family first. She was incredibly active and had never had any breathing problems.
“She was a lifelong non‑smoker and, even not long before she became ill, she was still walking around 17,000 steps a day.
“When Mum was undergoing tests we knew something wasn’t right, but nothing prepared us for the news that she had cancer and it was terminal. Mum tried to stay strong, but it was awful seeing how quickly she deteriorated.
“Grant lived with Mum and I was just down the street, so we saw each other every day. She meant everything to us and there’s a massive hole in our lives now she’s gone.
“We’d never heard of mesothelioma before Mum’s diagnosis, but our family now know just how terrible it is. We know nothing can bring her back but we just want to understand how this happened and whether her work had anything to do with it.
“A couple of years after Mum left M&S the store underwent a major refurb and extension when our understanding is that asbestos ceiling tiles were removed. If anyone remembers working with Mum or knows anything about the store, we’d really appreciate them coming forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Stephen Fitzwalter at Irwin Mitchell on 07795 915567 or email stephen.fitzwalter@irwinmitchell.com
