Families Demand Answers Amid Alarming Cancer Rates in Corby

When Carlyn Dooley’s three-year-old daughter, Paisley, was diagnosed with stage four cancer, doctors delivered a grim prognosis, stating she “wouldn’t see the weekend.” However, after intense advocacy for further treatment, Paisley has stabilized, raising questions about potential environmental factors contributing to rising cancer rates in Corby, Northants. This situation has prompted families in the area to seek answers regarding a possible scandal linked to toxic waste.

Carlyn’s concerns stem not only from her daughter’s diagnosis but also from a disturbing pattern she has observed in Corby. “The cancer that Paisley has affects only about 100 children in the UK each year, but I know several others in Corby who have been diagnosed,” she stated. Her experience aligns with that of other parents in the community, who have reported similar cases of rare and aggressive cancers affecting their children.

The recent attention surrounding these health issues has intensified following the airing of a television series titled *Toxic Town*, which features the true story of families whose children were born with deformities due to hazardous waste materials. This has prompted many residents to voice their concerns that toxic waste may have been improperly buried across the town.

One study indicates that parents exposed to heavy metal toxins for just eight hours daily over three months are 38 percent more likely to have a child with cancer. These findings have galvanized families in Corby to investigate the potential links between environmental factors and the alarming rise in childhood cancer diagnoses.

Alison Gaffney, who is spearheading the campaign for answers, has been active in this investigation since her own son, Fraser, was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of eight. “I think it’s an environmental scandal with poisoned kids,” she declared. “We have been through the depths of hell with Fraser’s journey, and we’re ready to fight for those who deserve answers.” Fraser’s journey has motivated Alison to connect with over 130 families in Corby, with 50 participating in a questionnaire about their experiences. Tragically, seven of those children have died.

Carlyn’s daughter Paisley received her devastating diagnosis in April 2023. Two months later, doctors informed her family that there was little hope for survival. “We were told she wouldn’t see the weekend,” Carlyn recalled. “She had a massive bleed on the brain, and we were sent to a hospice.” Despite the bleak prognosis, Carlyn and her partner fought for more aggressive treatment. Their determination paid off, as Paisley is now stable, and the brain bleed is receding.

Another resident, Karen Young, has similar concerns. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at age 22, she has witnessed a troubling trend among peers from Corby. “Within about four weeks of my diagnosis, another girl from my school received the same rare cancer diagnosis,” she shared. This shared experience of illness has created a tight-knit group of parents advocating for change in their community.

Tiffany Drummond, whose son Mason survived blood cancer after multiple surgeries, has also joined the movement for answers. “There are so many cases in Corby. We need to find out what is going on,” she emphasized.

At the forefront of this investigation is solicitor Des Collins, whose previous work led to a significant legal ruling against Corby Borough Council for negligence in managing hazardous waste. In 2009, Collins successfully advocated for 19 families, securing £14.6 million in compensation after a court found the council had failed to manage waste properly. An internal report revealed high levels of toxins such as zinc, arsenic, and nickel in the area, although officials previously denied any connection to health issues.

The North Northamptonshire Council, which has replaced the former Corby Borough Council, is now facing scrutiny as families demand transparency regarding the historical disposal of toxic materials. Allegations have emerged that hazardous waste was improperly buried across the town during the 1990s when a designated site became filled.

Alison Gaffney’s father, a former steelworker, has alleged that he was instructed to dump waste into local ponds. “My dad told me he was asked to dump toxic waste and parts of the building into these ponds,” she recounted. This revelation has only fueled the community’s concerns about the safety of their environment.

Des Collins has stated, “We know when the waste was there. We know when it disappeared, but we don’t know where it is.” He has reached out to the council to disclose the locations of potentially contaminated sites, but the council’s response has been evasive.

An Environment Agency report indicated that the council was advised against stockpiling waste around Deene Quarry, further complicating the issue. Collins insists that more transparency is necessary to protect future generations in Corby. “People are worried about bringing up children because of what’s under the ground,” he noted.

As parents continue their fight for answers, the community remains on edge, demanding accountability from local authorities. The families of Corby are determined to uncover the truth behind the disturbing rise in childhood cancers and ensure a safer future for their children.