Family Asks Lawyers To Investigate Man’s Mesothelioma Death

The children of a former roof fitter from Thetford are appealing to their dad’s former workmates for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

John Hibble, originally from London, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.  He was aged 83.

Following his death, in February 2022, John’s son John Paul Hibble, 54, and daughter Monica McKenzie, 56, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their dad’s illness and whether it could be linked to his work history.

John Paul and Monica are now using Action Mesothelioma Day on 7 July to appeal to their dad’s former workmates for information about the working conditions he may have faced.  In particular, they are seeking information from anyone who worked alongside their dad at S Warner and Son Limited between 1961 and 1969. This was a national company, although their dad worked predominantly on projects within London, East Anglia and the South East.

Expert Opinion

"John’s death from mesothelioma continues to have a profound impact on his loved ones, particularly John Paul and Monica who understandably remain devastated by their loss.

“What happened to John is also a stark reminder of the legacy left behind by asbestos, with the effects of it often coming to light several decades after initial exposure.

“While nothing will bring John back, we’re determined to support John Paul and Monica and help them obtain the answers they deserve in order to honour their dad’s memory.

“As such, we could be grateful to hear from anyone who worked with John and may have information on the conditions he faced. Any detail could prove vital to our investigation.

“More than 5,000 people in the UK continue to die as a result of mesothelioma and other industrial diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Therefore, Action Mesothelioma Day is also an important opportunity to remind people of the dangers still posed by asbestos.” Natalia Rushworth-White, Asbestos-Related Disease lawyer

John began his employment with S Warner and Son Limited, a roof glazing company, in 1961.  John’s role was a patent glazier which mainly involved working on industrial units, including new build factory units.  He remained there until 1969.

Prior to his death, John told his loved ones that during his time there, he worked alongside sheeters who were employed by various roofing companies to fix corrugated roofing sheets, which was believed to contain asbestos, into position.

He said the sheeters were required to cut the sheets to size and drill through them for fixing purposes.  This generated dust which John, who worked within close proximity to the sheeters, was exposed to.

In January, 2021, John began suffering from shortness of breath.  He underwent tests later that year.  Following a biopsy in July, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

He died seven months later on 22 February, 2022.  An inquest, on 1 June, 2022, concluded his death was due to industrial disease.

John was a dad-of-three, grandad of four and great-grandad of two.  His wife Lucy died in May 2022, aged 82.

John Paul said: “Dad’s illness came as a huge shock to us all and to have to watch him deteriorate so quickly was incredibly difficult.

“We ended up losing him just seven months after he was diagnosed and more than a year on, we’re still devastated he’s no longer here.  He was the best dad and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

“Before he died, he had told us of his time as a glazier.  Sadly, however, the disease claimed his life before he could conclude the legal investigations into his working conditions so we’re now seeking the answers in his memory.

“We would therefore really appreciate it if any of his workmates could help us.  It’s the least he deserves.”

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Helena Wareham at Irwin Mitchell by e-mail at Helena.wareham@irwinmitchell.com

Held every year, Action Mesothelioma Day brings together victims of the disease, those who have loved ones affected, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand mesothelioma and find a cure. The day aims to ensure the public are also aware of the terrible impact mesothelioma can have on sufferers and their carers.

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