Emily-Jane Scandrett was only 40 when she was diagnosed with a cancer linked to asbestos exposure
14:44, 21 Jan 2026Updated 15:52, 21 Jan 2026
Emily-Jane Scandrett died after being diagnosed with a rare illness(Image: )
A ‘warrior’ Midlands mother who raised thousands for charity has died from a rare illness.
Emily-Jane Scandrett, from Tamworth, was only 40 when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a cancer linked with asbestos exposure.
The mother-of-two was five weeks’ pregnant when she began experiencing symptoms but had to wait an agonising 17 months for the illness to be diagnosed.
The disease is commonly found in men over the age of 75, with Emily unaware how she developed terminal cancer.
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Alongside pharmacist Sue Farrell, Emily raised more than £10,500 by completing a marathon walk in 2024 across the Worcestershire countryside.
Donations from the challenge went to Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England.
Ryan Scandrett, the husband of Emily, raised £12,000 last year by repeating the challenge which consists of nearly 30 miles in one day.
After years of fighting, Liz Carter, the mother of Emily, said she ‘lost her battle’ on Monday (January 19).
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On LinkedIn, Liz said: “Our beautiful brave daughter who campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by asbestos, lost her battle this morning.
“She appeared on national tv, radio, press and presented her four-year long painful journey to many conferences including medical professionals.
“Her storyline can be found on Facebook & Instagram.
“A true ‘meso warrior” until the end.”
Emily campaigned for awaress around asbestos related cancer and previously said: “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.
“I will be eternally thankful to two charities, Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England, who have been a wonderful source of help and support during my journey.
“I was absolutely terrified when I received my ‘terminal’ diagnosis, but the support group has contributed massively towards how I’m dealing with this.
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