Marlene Broad died after being diagnosed with the cancer mesothelioma in 2024 but before her death she believed she was exposed to asbestos while putting art up in her classroom
The family of a former primary school teacher fears she died after being exposed to asbestos while pinning artwork to walls in her classroom.
Marlene Broad died in January 2024 after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Before the former teacher died she told her legal team she believed she was likely exposed to asbestos when changing displays in the school halls and classrooms – at the school she spent 40 years at. Marlene worked at Hareclive Primary School in Bristol between 1960 and 1999 and believed the noticeboard she pinned posters to were lined with asbestos.
Marlene also claimed these boards were drilled into to create shelves. Following the mum-of-two’s diagnosis, she instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate her illness.
The former teacher, from Bristol, wanted to see whether it could be linked to her employment history, but she sadly died shortly afterwards, aged 86. Despite this, her son, Matthew, 55, and daughter, Helen, 58, have continued her work and have appealed to Marlene’s former colleagues.
Her children have pleaded to the teacher’s former workmates at Hareclive Primary School for information to help determine where she came into contact with asbestos.
Helen said: “Mum had such a passion for teaching and was dedicated to supporting young children. She made a huge difference to so many pupils’ lives and I know that she’s sorely missed. When she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it came as a huge shock as it wasn’t something we’d heard of before. Sadly, mum deteriorated quickly and the way she was taken from us continues to upset us.”
Tony Roberts, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Matthew and Helen, said: “Losing Marlene continues to have a profound effect on her loved ones, particularly Matthew and Helen who are struggling to come to terms with her death so soon after her mesothelioma diagnosis.
“Mesothelioma is a horrible disease and Marlene’s case is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos. It also highlights that not only those in heavy industry are impacted, with the widespread use of asbestos also affecting workers in various public buildings, including schools.
“While nothing will ever change what Marlene’s loved ones are going through, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve. We would therefore urge any of Marlene’s ex-colleagues to come forward as doing so could prove vital in our investigation.”
At the time, the school was run by Avon Education Authority. The grandmother-of-four recalled seeing lots of people in white body suits at the school one day in the 1970s. She and her colleagues were informed that asbestos was being removed from the main building and they were sent to Weston-Super-Mare for the day, returning to the school the next day. She said there was also a caretaker who lived on the site, and he would remove ceiling tiles to change lightbulbs in classrooms.
Marlene fell ill in June 2023 with a cough, wheezing and pain. Following tests, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2023 and she died three months later, in January 2024.
Helen said: “While we know there’s nothing we can do to bring her back, the least we can do is get her the answers she deserved. It will also help us honour her memory. We would be incredibly grateful if anyone could get in touch and help us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tony Roberts at Irwin Mitchell on 02380 930745 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The Mirror has reached out to Hareclive E-ACT Academy for comment.