Loved Ones Seek Answers With Help Of Specialist Lawyers

The family of a graphic designer who died just months after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer have instructed specialist lawyers to investigate and are appealing for his former colleagues at an Aylesbury firm to help them gain justice regarding his illness.

Michael Grace, from Sawbridgeworth, was informed he had developed mesothelioma, the cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure decades ago, following scans at University College Hospital in May 2014. He died just five months later in October.

Prior to his death, Mr Grace instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came to develop the illness.

Now, with the help of the legal experts, his children Maija and Jason are calling on anyone who worked with their father at the Aylesbury-based printing and publishing firm Hazel Watson and Viney – later known as Terminus 24 Ltd – to come forward with any information they may have regarding the presence of asbestos at the site.

They believe Mr Grace could have been exposed to the deadly material during maintenance and renovation work at the company’s offices.

Expert Opinion

“Sadly the victims of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma only develop their symptoms decades after the initial exposure to the deadly material. This can make it difficult for them to recall details of their employment or the conditions they faced.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information on the working conditions at Hazel Watson and Viney, particularly in relation to the presence of asbestos at the site. Any details could be vital in our effort to gain justice for Michael’s family.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Michael Grace worked as a graphic designer for all of his life, with the exception of a three-year period between 1982 and 1985 when he moved to Finland. Upon return to the UK, he worked with Hazel Watson and Viney for a number of years.

His daughter Maija Grace said: “Almost three years on from Dad’s death we are still coming to terms with our loss and miss him every day.

“While nothing can change what has happened, we know he was determined to find out how we came into contact with asbestos and we are keen to continue with the legal claim to honour his memory.

“We would be hugely grateful if anyone with details regarding the working conditions at Hazel Watson and Viney could come forward.”

Anyone with information regarding the conditions at Hazel Watson and Viney should contact Tessa Craythorne at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 3987 or email tessa.craythorne@irwinmitchell.com

Read more about the work of our asbestos-related disease teams.