Asbestos Widow's Appeal for Witnesses

Asbestos related cancer

29/10/2008

The widow of a former Rolls Royce worker who died from an asbestos related cancer of the lung lining, mesothelioma, is appealing for his ex-colleagues in Derby to come forward with evidence to help the enquiry into his death.

Mr John Michael Dann (known to family and friends as Michael) died from mesothelioma on 27 August 2008 aged 60. He worked for Rolls Royce in Derby for seven years between 1975 and 1982 performing tests on engines and other equipment.

Mr Dann first noticed he was becoming short of breath in August 2007 during a business trip abroad. On visiting his GP and being sent for numerous tests at Newark and Kingsmill Hospitals, Mr Dann was ultimately diagnosed with Mesothelioma in August 2008. He died just over a week later.

His widow Mrs Melanie Dann, who now lives in Newark said: "Michael was shocked when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and couldn't believe that he had been harbouring this dreadful disease for so long. Michael recalled working with asbestos when he was at Rolls-Royce and was outraged that his life was going to be cut short as a result.

"His illness was very aggressive and he died only a week after he had been diagnosed. I still can't believe that he is gone."

Helen Ashton, an asbestos disease lawyer who specialises in Mesothelioma claims at Irwin Mitchell is representing Mrs Dann. She said: "Mrs Dann has been devastated by the loss of her husband and is determined to find out as much about the nature of his exposure as possible. She is therefore appealing for any former colleagues who worked alongside Mr Dann at Rolls-Royce in Derby, and who have information, to come forward to help with enquiries.

"Anyone who can provide evidence regarding the working conditions or who may have documents relating to their employment at Rolls-Royce can contact Irwin Mitchell in confidence on: 0870 1500 100 or via e-mail at Helen.ashton@irwinmitchell.com."