Leigh Carlisle, 28, became England’s youngest victim of mesothelioma when she died recently after a two year battle with the disease. It is believed that Leigh was exposed to and inhaled asbestos fibers as a child during school. Leigh’s lawyers have requested a freedom of information request about the buildings where Leigh was taught. It is also a possibility that Leigh breathed in deadly fibers as she walked passed a factory yard, where asbestos sheets were cut up, on her way to school.

In an interview last year, recalling her devastation at being diagnosed, she said, “I was 26 and thought I was invincible and it was the last thing I expected them to tell me. I only walked through the factory yard as a short cut to my class. I used to walk there with my cousins, auntie and mother. Thankfully they are all fine. It was the worst feeling in the world. I have taken a positive approach and I'm just getting on with my life as best I can.”

At the time of her death Leigh was trying to raise awareness about her condition. She battled with the illness for 18 months but died at North Manchester Hospital General Hospital last week with her boyfriend by her side. Michael Price, Leigh’s boyfriend said, “Leigh had so much courage and strength. She was an inspiration to me and to others.” Her parents, Sheila and Mark, sister Sarah and niece Bella, also added that, “Leigh is still very much a part of our family and always a treasured daughter, sister and auntie. Everyone is so proud of her.”

About 2,000 people die from mesothelioma in England each year. It is also believed that 90,000 more people in England will die from the disease and that a further 90,000 will die from other lung diseases related to asbestos exposure. About 200 schools workers have died or are suffering serious illness because of asbestos in schools and it is estimated about 13,000 schools still contain asbestos.

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