The family of a former Kent nurse who died from an incurable asbestos-related cancer is appealing for help to trace colleagues she worked with.

NHS worker Jane Preston was employed at the West Hill Hospital in Dartford during the 1970s and 1980s as a records clerk before later moving to Warwickshire and working there.

Mrs Preston died at the age of 64 in February 2023 just three months after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Now, her widower Andrew Preston is working alongside charity Asbestos Action to continue a civil claim in his late wife’s name which will investigate how she was allegedly exposed to the substance he says caused her cancer and led to her premature death.

During her work as a clerk at West Hill Hospital in 1975 and between 1979 and 1981, Mrs Preston was regularly required to go down to the basement where hospital archives were kept.

The family said this involved reaching to get files that were stored close to a boiler with decayed lagging on its pipes, covering the files in dust which Jane then had to sweep up after fetching the documents.

From 1999 to 2001, Jane worked as a staff nurse in the x-ray department at Walsgrave Hospital where it is also claimed she was exposed to asbestos in ceiling tiles.

Both hospitals have been demolished in the years since with West Hill Hospital, which was managed by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, knocked down in 2000 and later turned into a 75-bed care home. Walsgrave Hospital closed in 2007.

With the buildings now gone, Andrew is appealing to Jane’s former NHS colleagues to help build a picture of her daily working conditions.

Mr Preston said: “If anyone remembers Jane, or if they too worked at West Hill or Walsgrave Hospitals around the same time as she was there in the mid to late 70s and late 90s, I would be very grateful if you would get in touch to share your recollections."

Kevin Johnson, from Leigh Day solicitors, who has been instructed by Mr Preston, added: “Any relevant information provided could help her husband’s legal claim concerning the loss of his wife in these tragic circumstances.”

If you can provide any information, please contact Kevin Johnson on 0151 305 2760 or KTJohnson@leighday.co.uk.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust was approached for more information.