Mesothelioma

The writ, for damages of between £150,000 and £200,000, claims Seddon's, of Plodder Lane, Lever Edge, broke health regulations by failing to ensure adequate circulation of fresh air to make the workplace safe.

It claims Seddon's: l Failed to prevent asbestos dust accumulating or to provide exhaust appliances to prevent it entering the air.

l Failed to make sure the floors, plant, apparatus and all internal surfaces were kept clean and free from dust and debris.

l Allowed vacuum cleaning without "damping" to prevent asbestos dust escaping into the air.

l Did not provide approved respiratory equipment or protective clothing.

l Did not warn Mr Newton about the risk of contracting asbestos-related diseases.

The writ states Mr Newton has endured two spells in hospital and is due to undergo chemotherapy.

"His condition will continue to deteriorate with worsening pain, increasing breathlessness and debility," it states.

"He is likely to need increasing levels of assistance during the last six months of his life.

He has suffered much mental distress and anxiety." Seddon Group solicitor Alison Brooks said: "The matter has been passed to Seddon's insurers who are dealing with the claim expeditiou...

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until she won't.It is no surprise that every one of us has an opinion on the Edwardses' choices.

Not just Rush Limbaugh, who accused the Edwardses of turning their eyes to the campaign instead of God.

Not just "Toddo11," who blogged, "How is he supposed to take care of his country when he doesn't even take care of his family?

" Not just the 12,000 who e-mailed Elizabeth encouraging words in the first days after their announcement.We each have an opinion on whether continuing a campaign shows courage or denial.

On whether quitting would show acceptance or defeat.

We have an opinion on whether children need wings or a cocoon.

Our views about facing cancer are as varied - and conflicted - as the eulogies of its victims: She fought every inch of the way.

She accepted it with grace.The truth is that the Edwardses made their decision the way we all do.

We make choices based on who we are and what we believe and what is important to us.

It is not simply a mathematical equation, it is a narrative.

It's not just a matter of medical calculation, it contains the arc of memoir.Elizabeth's decision is at one with her character, steeled through the death of her son, the birth of two more children, the refusal to be a victim, and the fierce determination to write her legacy.

Her husband's decision says less about unbridled ambition than about a sense of mission.

This ...