Doncaster widow's appeal for witnesses

Mesothelioma witness appeal

25/11/2008

A widow whose husband died from mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer, is appealing for his former work colleagues to come forward to help inquiries into his death.

Former painter and decorator, Douglas Marsden, from Balby, Doncaster, died from a malignant mesothelioma in his lung lining in August 2008. The Coroner confirmed at the inquest into Mr Marsden's death that he had died from an industrial disease.

His widow, Norma Marsden, said: "Douglas was a loving and proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was diagnosed with the fatal cancer just three months before he died. He believed that he had contracted the disease after being exposed to asbestos dust and fibres when working as a painter and decorator for Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited in the late 1960s."

Mr Marsden explained before he died that he recalled brushing asbestos guttering with a wire brush before painting it, as well as working in various industrial premises where asbestos materials may have been present. Mr Marsden worked on various painting and decorating jobs for Bagnalls in and around South and West Yorkshire.

Norma has taken legal advice and is trying to trace any of his former work colleagues who may be able to share information about the particular sites where her husband worked.

Solicitor Simone Hardy, from Irwin Mitchell, is representing Norma. She said: "We are appealing to anyone who worked for Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited in the 1960s or early 1970s to contact us and help with our enquiries. We are trying to identify the various sites that he may have worked on when working as a painter and decorator."

Anyone who can help should call Simone Hardy on 0870 1500 100 or email simone.hardy@irwinmitchell.com.