Expert Lawyers Instructed To Investigate Companies

The widow of a former incinerator worker who died from asbestos related cancer last year is appealing to her husband’s former colleagues to come forward to help with an investigation.

Roy Birch, from Heywood, in Oldham was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos in May 2013 after developing a chest infection and shortness of breath.

His widow Joan instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the working conditions at two companies he worked for in the North West during his career.

The 85-year-old was employed for decades by Manchester City Council and worked as an incinerator worker at a Heywood incinerator and waste disposal site from 1959 to 1974. He then moved onto a job as a crane operator at another incinerator site in Middleton from 1974 to 1980.

Joan, 78, said: “I can’t begin to put into words how devastated our family is after losing Roy to this terrible disease. It was extremely difficult to see his health deteriorate right before our eyes.

“Before his illness, we led an active life and we would often go out for meals, go on holiday and were very independent. As Roy became ill, he struggled to get out and about and I cared for him at our home.

“I would like to urge of Roy’s former colleagues at either the Heywood or Middleton sites to come forward with any information about the working conditions to help us fight for justice in his memory.”

Anyone with any information about the working conditions at any of the above sites where Roy worked is asked to contact Dominic Hemsi at MPH Solicitors (part of Irwin Mitchell) on Dominic.hemsi@mphsolicitors.co.uk or call 0161 259 1517.