Midlands Mother Emily-Jane Scandrett Dies After Rare Asbestos Cancer Battle
A courageous Midlands mother who raised thousands of pounds for charity while battling a rare and aggressive illness has sadly passed away. Emily-Jane Scandrett, from Tamworth, was just 40 years old when she received the devastating diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure.
A Painful and Protracted Diagnosis Journey
The mother-of-two first began experiencing symptoms when she was just five weeks pregnant. Despite this, she faced an agonising wait of 17 months before doctors were able to confirm her illness. This delay added immense strain to an already heartbreaking situation. Pleural mesothelioma is a disease most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 75, making Emily-Jane's case particularly unusual and tragic. She remained unaware of how she had developed this terminal condition.
Charity Fundraising and Awareness Campaigns
Determined to make a difference, Emily-Jane became a formidable campaigner and fundraiser. Alongside pharmacist Sue Farrell, she completed a marathon walk across the Worcestershire countryside in 2024, raising an incredible more than £10,500. The proceeds from this challenge were donated to two vital charities: Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England.
Her husband, Ryan Scandrett, continued her legacy last year by repeating the nearly 30-mile walk in a single day, raising a further £12,000 for the same causes. Emily-Jane's advocacy extended far beyond fundraising. She appeared on national television and radio, spoke to the press, and presented her painful four-year journey at numerous conferences, including those attended by medical professionals.
A Family's Heartbreaking Loss
After years of fighting the disease, Emily-Jane's mother, Liz Carter, confirmed that her daughter "lost her battle" on the morning of January 21st. On LinkedIn, Liz paid a moving tribute, describing her as a "beautiful brave daughter" who campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about mesothelioma.
Liz Carter's statement highlighted her daughter's unwavering spirit, calling her a "true 'meso warrior' until the end." The family has shared Emily-Jane's story on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to continue her awareness mission.
Emily-Jane's Own Words and Legacy
In her own reflections on the diagnosis, Emily-Jane spoke of the difficulty in accepting her reality. "It has taken a while to accept this is really happening to me, especially as I am just 40, newly-married and blessed with two adorable young sons and a lovely young stepdaughter," she said.
She expressed eternal gratitude to Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England, noting they were a wonderful source of help and support throughout her journey. While terrified by her terminal diagnosis, she credited the support groups with helping her cope. Her story remains one of remarkable courage, resilience, and a powerful drive to help others facing similar battles.
