Northumberland Woman Joins With Lawyers To Appeal For Information

The partner of a Northumberland man who died from asbestos-related cancer just days after being diagnosed with the condition two years ago has joined with lawyers to appeal for his former workmates to help her gain answers regarding his illness.

David Reay, from Seahouses, died aged 66 in November 2015 five days after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

After an inquest in February 2016 recorded a verdict of industrial disease in relation to David’s death, his partner instructed specialist asbestos disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her gain answers regarding how he came to develop the illness.

As part of their work, the legal experts are now hoping to get in touch with anyone who worked with David when he was a labourer at Blyth-based shipbreakers Hughes Bolckow Ltd between 1970 and 1971. They believe his work assisting tradesman may have led him to come into contact with asbestos materials.

Emma Tordoff, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing his partner, said: 

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“David’s story is sadly one we hear time and time again, with a victim of mesothelioma going on to develop the cancer many years after their suspected exposure to asbestos.

“A case of this nature is another tragic reminder of the huge impact that mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses have on a great number of people and we are working hard to ensure that David’s partner is able to get the answers she deserves regarding how David came to fall ill.

“As part of our work, we would be hugely grateful if anyone who worked with David at Hughes Bolckow is able to come forward with information regarding the working conditions he may have faced. Any details could prove vital in our efforts to ensure his partner gains justice.” Emma Bell - Senior Associate Solicitor

David’s partner said: “It was incredibly difficult to see how David’s health deteriorated so quickly in his final few months of life and I miss him so much.

“His death has left me with so many unanswered questions and I just want to how he came to be exposed to asbestos and whether more should have been done to protect him from the risks.

“It would be hugely appreciated if anyone with information regarding the presence of asbestos at Hughes Bolckow would be able to come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Michael McGowan on 0191 279 0104 or email Michael.McGowan@IrwinMitchell.com.