Former Colleagues Urged To Provide Information

The sister of a former scaffolder who died from an asbestos related lung cancer is appealing to his former colleagues to assist with an investigation into working conditions at three of Nottinghamshire’s major power stations as she seeks justice for her brother’s death.

William Linford, from Sherwood, in Nottingham, died aged 84 in June last year after losing his battle with lung cancer and asbestosis

Mr Linford, who was one of 14 children and was affectionately called ‘Geordie Bill’ by his colleagues, worked as a foreman scaffolder at John Thompson (Water Tube Boiler) for eight years between 1962 and 1970.

His role at the company involved working at various power stations across the region, including Staythorpe, Cottam and High Marnham. At these facilities Mr Linford worked in the close vicinity of laggers who applied asbestos insulation to boilers and pipe work, which is where he believed he breathed in the deadly asbestos dust.

Asbestos related disease specialists at law firm Irwin Mitchell are now conducting an investigation into conditions at the three power stations on behalf of Mr Linford’s sister, Elizabeth, and are appealing for any of his former colleagues to come forward with information.

Elizabeth said: “Bill suffered a huge amount due to his illness before he eventually passed away. His breathing deteriorated and he quickly became less-active and mobile. It was heartbreaking having to watch him suffer as I cared for him in his final days.

“He often worked close to asbestos laggers but was never given a face mask or other safety equipment. If he and his colleagues were working with dangerous materials, why weren’t they given suitable protection?

“Nothing can bring Bill back to us but we just want to get to the bottom of where he was exposed to asbestos. If anyone remembers working with him I urge them to come forward and help us.”

Simone Hardy, a workplace illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, added: “Lung cancer and asbestosis has devastating affects for victims like Mr Linford and their families. Because it can take up to 30 or 40 years to develop it can be difficult to assess where somebody was exposed to asbestos.

“Any information from someone who remembers ‘Geordie Bill’ at John Thompson (Water Tube Boiler), could help us achieve the justice Bill’s family deserve.”

Anyone who believes they could be able to help with the investigation, should contact Simone Hardy on 0370 1500 100 or at simone.hardy@irwinmitchell.com

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, our expert asbestos lung cancer solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.