The Wood family’s lives were turned upside-down when David’s wife Maureen found out she had mesothelioma – a type of lung cancer caused by asbestos.  Maureen’s death after a long brave fight with the disease left David and the family devastated.

“I feel like someone’s ripped out my heart and stamped on it.” he said “When people use the word ‘devastation, invariably those are people who don’t know what it means”. 

Now, with the help of Thompsons Solicitors, David is launching an appeal to see if answers to the cause of his wife’s death could be traced to the famous Goldberg’s store in Edinburgh’s Tollcross.  He is asking for anyone who worked at the Edinburgh store or who simply recalls work being carried out at the shop to come forward. 

Maureen worked there between 1981 and 1987.  She was in the stockroom and the shoe department, the china department and at Wrygges, the women’s fashion department. Mr Wood also recalled that she had a friend, Doreen, and she was fond of the handyman there, Solly or Solomon. 

Commenting on David’s appeal, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and expert in asbestos related conditions, Tom Marshall, said:

“I hope that Mr Wood’s appeal can jog a few memories and get some answers on what could be at the root of Maureen’s tragic death.  It is important for anyone who worked with Maureen or was aware of any work taking place at the store to get in touch. 

“Mesothelioma is a terrible disease and the origin of the asbestos exposure can sometimes be difficult to trace.  We’re committed to doing everything possible to help Mr Wood and his family get answers, justice and closure.

“A number of people think they have to find the origin of the asbestos before coming to us but you don’t; at Thompsons our experts will help you with that.”

If you have any information about Maureen’s time at Goldbergs get in touch with Thompsons Solicitors on 0800 0891 331.