The family of a former Marks & Spencer employee fear that asbestos exposure during her decades-long career at the department store may have contributed to the cancer that ultimately claimed her life.
Diagnosis and passing
Diane Clements was diagnosed with mesothelioma — a cancer caused by asbestos exposure — in May of last year and passed away just three months later at the age of 74. She had worked at the Hereford branch of Marks and Spencer for over 30 years, and her heartbroken children believe she was exposed to the deadly substance during that period.
Legal action launched
The family has since initiated legal proceedings, instructing solicitors to investigate whether her employment at the retail giant was responsible for her asbestos-related death. Her son Christopher Clements, 50, said: "Mum was a kind, caring woman who always put her family first. She was incredibly active and had never had any breathing problems. She was a lifelong non-smoker and, even not long before she became ill, she was still walking around 17,000 steps a day."
"When mum was undergoing tests we knew something wasn't right, but nothing prepared us for the news that she had cancer and it was terminal. Mum tried to stay strong, but it was awful seeing how quickly she deteriorated. Grant lived with mum and I was just down the street, so we saw each other every day. She meant everything to us and there's a massive hole in our lives now she's gone."
"We'd never heard of mesothelioma before mum's diagnosis, but our family now know just how terrible it is. We know nothing can bring her back but we just want to understand how this happened and whether her work had anything to do with it."
History of exposure
Diane began her career at the site as a retail assistant in 1966, when it was still trading as the former Greenland's store. Marks and Spencer acquired the building two years later, and Diane remained there until 2005. Her health started to deteriorate in early 2025. Initially believed to be gastrointestinal problems, further tests revealed fluid on her lungs. Following a biopsy, she received a diagnosis of mesothelioma — a terminal form of cancer, typically affecting the lining of the lung, which is most commonly linked to asbestos exposure, often many decades earlier. Her condition continued to worsen, and she passed away on 23 August last year.
Appeal for information
Diane's sons Christopher and Grant Clements, both 48, say they are particularly eager to hear from anyone who worked alongside their mother at Marks and Spencer's Hereford High Street store. Christopher added: "A couple of years after mum left M&S the store underwent a major refurb and extension when our understanding is that asbestos ceiling tiles were removed. If anyone remembers working with mum or knows anything about the store, we'd really appreciate them coming forward."
Legal perspective
Stephen Fitzwalter, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer from Irwin Mitchell, who is representing Diane's family, said: "Christopher and Grant are still coming to terms with their mum's death and the circumstances surrounding it. While exposure to asbestos is commonly linked to heavy industry, its use was much more widespread, including in public buildings such as shops and department stores. The change in retail and store layouts over the years meant that sites were often redesigned and re-fitted. Understandably Diane's family have a number of concerns about how she was exposed to asbestos. Nothing can make up for what they've been through, but we're determined to help them uncover the facts behind her asbestos exposure and provide them with the answers they deserve."
"If anyone who either worked with Diane or has information about the store could come forward, it could prove vital to our investigation."
M&S response
An M&S spokesperson responded: "Our stores are safe places for our colleagues and customers and we rigorously manage asbestos where it is present to ensure that remains the case."
