Asbestos Experts Seek Former Colleagues Who May Hold Vital Evidence

The heartbroken widow of a former Hertfordshire carpenter who died of an asbestos-related cancer is appealing to his former colleagues for help as she continues her battle for justice.

Grandfather-of-three Tony Hummerston died of mesothelioma in January 2010 aged 65, after being diagnosed with the aggressive disease just five months earlier. He also left behind wife Denise, and three grown-up children.

His distraught family instructed expert asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell in a battle for justice and to find much needed answers.

From 1959 to 1965 Tony worked at Crook Bros as a carpenter and his job involved cutting asbestos sheets which exposed him to asbestos dust.

He also remembered working with asbestos during his time at J A Elliott Ltd from about 1969 to about 1970 when refurbishing an old police station.

In about 1970 he worked for Shanley Construction at Foxholes building site and at Pinehurst building site in Hertford.

The firm is now looking to speak with Tony’s former colleagues at Crook Bros based on Watton Road in Ware, JA Elliott Ltd (no longer trading) which was based in Bishop’s Stortford, and an Irish firm called Shanley Construction.

Alice Humphreys from Irwin Mitchell’s London office, representing Denise, said: “The family are devastated that he is no longer with them and naturally want to see justice done as Tony was exposed to asbestos when the dangers were known by employers.

“Tony told his family how he came into contact with asbestos. We would like to speak with any of Tony’s former colleagues at these companies as they may hold vital information about the working practices.

“It may help Denise’s battle for justice and help to finally bring some closure for the family.”

Tony’s widow Denise, who lives in Hertford, said: “When Tony was diagnosed with mesothelioma we just couldn’t believe it. He was still relatively young and active so to be told he was suffering a terminal illness was a huge shock.

“He died just five months later which we still can’t come to terms with. He never even got to meet our third grandchild and the other two are still very young. It’s heartbreaking that he’s not here to see so many family milestones.

“I just hope anyone that worked with him at the companies mentioned gets in touch. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could help and it will mean we can finally start to accept what’s happened.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Alice Humphreys at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email alice.humphreys@irwinmitchell.com.