Wallsend Man Joins With Lawyers To Appeal For Help From Former Workmates

A former bus driver and conductor from Wallsend who is suffering from the asbestos-related disease of mesothelioma has joined with legal experts to appeal for former colleagues to come forward and help him gain answers about how he developed the illness.

Ronald Hutchison, 81, was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with asbestos exposure in July 2016, several months after an X-ray during a routine medical revealed an abnormality on his chest.

Following the diagnosis, Ronald instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came in contact with the deadly material and help him gain access to vital funds to support his treatment and care needs.

As part of their work, they are calling on anyone who worked with Ronald at Newcastle Corporation Transport Passenger Transport Authority between 1957 and 1987 to come forward and provide vital information which could help them in their efforts to secure him justice. Ronald was commonly known by his work colleagues as Inspector Ron or Hutchie.

Emma Crowther, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Ronald, said: 

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“This case is like so many we have been involved in, with our client developing mesothelioma decades after his initial exposure to asbestos.

“We are undertaking a number of investigations in an effort to help Ronald gain both answers regarding his illness and vital financial support to assist him with care and treatment. As part of this, we are keen to know more about the working environment that he faced during his time at Newcastle Corporation Transport.

“Any information could prove vital so we would urge anyone who worked with Ronald to please get in touch as soon as possible.” Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor

During his time at Newcastle Corporation Transport, Ronald worked as a conductor, a trolley bus driver, an omnibus driver and an inspector. Looking back, he believes he was exposed to asbestos at the main Byker depot which he worked out of.

He recalls: “During my time there I would visit the garages at the depot most days and I remember that there was always dust and fibres in the air from the repairs which were being done. These would include changing asbestos linings on brake shoes and clutch plates.

“I also believe there was an asbestos corrugated roof on the depot which was completely exposed and in poor condition. While much of this was due to wear and tear, there were also holes caused by some workmen bringing air rifles in order to scare pigeons out of the workplace."

Since developing the illness, Ronald has required more help from his family as he increasingly struggles with day-to-day tasks.

He said: “Prior to the illness I had always been fairly active and able to do everything around the house myself. However, as my condition has worsened this has changed and I am now reliant on help from my children and grandchildren.

“I am devastated to have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and simply feel I deserve answers regarding how this was allowed to happen.”

Anyone with information related to Newcastle Corporation Transport or working with Ronald should contact Jennifer Fish at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0119 or e-mail jennifer.fish@irwinmitchell.com.