Family of Mesothelioma victim require help

The family of a Tyneside man who died from asbestos related cancer is appealing for help from his former workmates and friends in tracking down the source of the disease.

Sidney Salkeld was born in September 1935 and grew up in the Byker area, in the family home on Brinkburn Street before moving to Christopher Road, Walkergate. He attended Raby St, Secondary Modern in Byker before going on to do an apprenticeship as a joiner at John Porters, who were based on Newcastle quayside, in 1950.

After completing his apprenticeship he had a number of jobs with different companies in the North East before moving to Leeds and then London in the late 50s. Sidney returned to the North East a short while before his death from mesothelioma in December 2004.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer directly related to asbestos exposure and can remain dormant in the body for decades. The UKs leading Personal Injury law firm Irwin Mitchell, an expert in asbestos related compensation claims, is handling the investigation on behalf of the Mr Salkelds family.

Sidneys brother John is anxious to contact men who knew or worked with him during his time in the North East during the 1950s and who may be able to provide information about the circumstances in which he was exposed to asbestos.

John said: Sidney died a terrible and painful death as result of exposure to asbestos during his employment years ago. I would ask anyone who worked with him, knew him or who knows anything about his work in the North East in the 1950s to come forward and help.

Irwin Mitchell Partner, and asbestos solicitor, Roger Maddocks, who is handling the case, said: Sidney was an innocent victim of a terrible disease which could and should have been prevented by his employers. At the time he was exposed to asbestos his employers should have known of the risks and taken proper precautions.

Anyone able to help should contact Roger Maddocks or Catherine Oxnard on 0191 279 0096.