Veronica Kidman, a 72-year-old grandmother, died just a week after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos, in January 2026. Her family believes she unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibres while hand-washing the dust-covered overalls of her late husband Ian, a BT field engineer who worked between 1971 and 1989.
Daily chore turned deadly
Veronica, a former medical secretary, recalled how Ian would return home with “a great deal of dust” covering his clothes and hair. His work clothes were often so filthy she had to scrub them several times a week. The family believes fibres brought home from his job ultimately caused her illness more than three decades later.
Ian's job involved repairing telephone and switchboard faults at homes, businesses, and BT repair centres. The family suspects he may have worked in buildings containing asbestos-lagged pipes and possibly came into contact with asbestos resin.
Sudden decline and diagnosis
Veronica had experienced abdominal pain, lower back pain, bloating, and fatigue for about two years. She attended A&E multiple times in November and December 2025 with immune system issues. A CT scan in December revealed a mass on her abdomen, and a biopsy was taken on December 23. She was admitted to hospital on January 6, 2026, and diagnosed with mesothelioma on January 8. She died in hospital on January 15.
Her daughter Becky Irwing, 41, said: “We barely had time to process her diagnosis before she was sadly taken from us. Saying goodbye to mum was incredibly painful. Her condition deteriorated so quickly.”
Family seeks answers on Action Mesothelioma Day
Veronica’s children, Becky Irwing and Gareth Kidman, 44, are appealing for anyone who worked alongside their father to come forward with information about his working conditions. They are particularly keen to hear from those who worked at the Chingford, Leytonstone, Mile End, or Walthamstow telephone exchanges while Ian was employed there.
Natalia Rushworth-White, an asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “Veronica’s death is another tragic reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created. While many people associate asbestos with heavy industry, its use was widespread across many occupations as well as in residential and public buildings. We are also seeing a rise in the number of people, mostly women, being affected through secondary exposure such as washing work clothes.”
Employer duty of care
Rushworth-White added: “Even though Ian’s work took place in the 1970s, the risks of asbestos were still well-known and employers had a duty to ensure the safety of their employees. Asbestos continues to pose a very real risk across the UK, and Action Mesothelioma Day serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact asbestos exposure continues to have on families.”
A BT Group spokesperson said: “We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs Kidman. We have not received any legal claim from Mrs Kidman’s family, so it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
