A grandmother battling terminal cancer suspects her devastating illness came from hugging her brother too much. Marie Pickup, 68, underwent a routine chest X-ray for former smokers last year - which revealed alarming changes in her abdomen.

Medical professionals discovered she had peritoneal mesothelioma - a form of cancer affecting the abdominal lining associated with asbestos exposure. Marie recalls embracing her brother immediately upon his return from his role as a joiner at Blackburn Corporation - now Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - between 1980-1985.

The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-two suspects his dust-laden work clothing may have exposed her to asbestos during their daily hugs. Marie, from Blackburn, said: "I remember my brother coming home from work with his clothes covered in dust.

"I used to hug him as soon as he got in, and I was often there when my mum shook out his work clothes in the kitchen to get rid of the dust.

"It's only now years later that I suspect that I was unwittingly exposed to asbestos fibres brought home. I'm shocked and saddened that something so innocent may have resulted in my diagnosis.

"Before my illness, I was a keen gardener, and loved spending time on our narrowboat with my husband Tony. I can no longer manage these activities due to the tenderness in my abdomen.

"Sadly, my brother is no longer with us, but I just want to know how this happened and hope that anyone who remembers working for Blackburn Corporation can come forward with details."

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After her diagnosis, Marie sought the help of specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. The firm is now appealing for information about the refurbishment of council-owned deck access flats and renovation works on the Delph Estate in the 1980s, when Marie was known as Marie Halliwell.

Helen Tomlin, the solicitor representing Marie, said: "Marie's diagnosis is a stark reminder of the devastating legacy of asbestos exposure, which can affect not only workers but also their loved ones many years later.

"We've sadly seen many situations like this where secondary exposure to harmful asbestos has occurred. It's a reminder that it's not just those working with the substance can be affected by asbestos-related illnesses.

"While nothing can makeup for Marie's diagnosis and what it means for the future, we're determined to provide her with the answers she deserves.

"If anyone who worked for Blackburn Corporation in the early 1980s, particularly those involved in the renovation of deck access flats or the works on the Delph Estate, could come forward with information it could prove key in helping Marie and her family understand how she was exposed to asbestos."