W Marsden & Co Limited
A former employee of Hull firm W Marsden & Co Limited is calling for former colleagues to come forward and help with an investigation by law firm Irwin Mitchell into reports of exposure to asbestos.
Clive Cunningham, 70, worked at W Marsden & Co Limited, Leeds Road, Hull in the 1960s up until 1976. The company produced fire doors which had an asbestos lining. Mr Cunningham worked as a fork lift driver handling and transporting asbestos sheets around the factory.
Mr Cunningham has developed mesothelioma, a fatal asbestos related cancer, which affects his lungs and is a condition he will now suffer from for the remainder of his life.
Mr Cunningham is now asking former employees to come forward with any information, he said: "I’m looking for anyone who used to work at W Marsden to see if they can help out. Being diagnosed with mesothelioma has been devastating and has greatly affected my quality of life. Before my condition developed, I used to go and see Hull City play every week, now I struggle to do this or take part in many of the activities I used to. I have supported Hull City since 1953 and watched them every season since then. Now I am in too much pain to go to the games. I now listen to the live commentaries on Radio Humberside."
Ian Toft, an industrial illness specialist from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said:
"Unfortunately mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive form of cancer which causes great suffering to the victim and their families.
"We are investigating reports of asbestos exposure at W Marsden & Co Limited a well known Hull based company and would like to speak to anybody who worked with this company around the 1960s and 1970s as they may be able to offer information on the conditions affecting the workers.
"Over two thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year and it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It does not respond well to treatment, and treatment options are limited. Employers have a duty to take precautions with asbestos. There is no safe type of asbestos, and no safe level of asbestos exposure."
Anyone who can help should call Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email Ian.Toft@irwinmitchell.com.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.