Family Seeking Justice Over Death

A final plea is being made for colleagues of an ex-power station worker who died of an asbestos-related lung disease to come forward and help his family battle for justice.

John Pender, originally from Kildare in Ireland, passed away a month after being diagnosed with lung disease mesothelioma in September 2009. His widow Mary Pender believes it could be linked to his work for International Paint Ltd at old Barking power station from 1966 to 1967, as asbestos fibres may have been present in the building’s structure.

Mrs Pender from Chadwell Heath contacted Irwin Mitchell to help her find ex-colleagues of her husband who could provide more information on working conditions at the site and now she is making a final call for anyone who could possibly help to get in touch as soon as possible.

She said: “John’s mesothelioma diagnosis came as a huge shock to all of us. He had always been so active and had only just retired. Following diagnosis John’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he suffered terribly. It was heartbreaking to watch my husband, who should have had many more years ahead of him, fall so ill so quickly – dying within only a month of his diagnosis.

“Before he died he said there was asbestos in the old power station and it is the only place I can think of that he would have been exposed. He said it was everywhere but no one ever told the workers it was dangerous.”

John’s daughter Siobhan said:

“It means a great deal to the whole family to find out more about Dad’s exposure to asbestos, my brother and I need to be able to explain this to our children one day. We would be so grateful if anyone who worked with our Dad or for International Paints Limited would get in touch”.

Martyn Hayward from law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing Mrs Pender, John’s wife of more than 40 years, in her battle for justice. He said: “Mr Pender died tragically at just 66 years old after suffering from horrific illness following exposure to asbestos. It is vital that we determine the working conditions of the Barking power station to ensure his family see justice done. We would be grateful if anyone who worked with John, for International paints Limited and/ or at the old Power Station during the 1960s, and who has information about the use of asbestos at the site to come forward to assist us with our enquiries.”

Anyone who worked with John Pender and/or worked at the power station should contact Martyn Hayward at Irwin Mitchell solicitors via martyn.hayward@irwinmitchell.com or on 0370 1500 100