Former Colleagues Sought To Help With Battle For Justice After Asbestos Exposure

A widow is seeking her late husband’s former colleagues to help with an investigation into asbestos exposure after he died of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by the deadly dust.

David Church was 45 when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive asbestos related disease. He died on 15 November 2009 leaving his widow Fiona Church, a son, 16, and daughter, 17.

His widow has called on industrial illness experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate claims that David was exposed to asbestos while working for a small building company Berry & Game. He worked as a carpenter at the firm, based at Watermill Industrial Estate, Aspenden, Buntingford, Hertfordshire from 1979 to 1985.

Rosemary Giles, an asbestos related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “David was exposed to asbestos when working as a carpenter for Berry & Game in the late 70’s and early 80s when the affects of the lethal dust were known.

“David was relatively young for sufferers of mesothelioma as the disease can take up to 40 years to develop. Through no fault of his own he suffered a terrible fatal illness.

“I urge anyone who can give details of working conditions at Berry & Game to come forward as they may be able to help with our enquiries.”

David’s widow, Fiona Church, said: “It was such a shock when we found out about his illness. He loved his job but he wasn’t aware of the dangers of asbestos at that time. Mesothelioma is an awful illness and nothing can prepare you for having to deal with it. To lose David at just 46 has had such an impact on the family and if anyone can help with the investigation we urge them to please get in touch with Irwin Mitchell.”

Anyone who thinks they might have relevant information should contact Rosemary Giles on 0370 1500 100 or email rosemary.giles@irwinmithell.com.