Call For Ex-Workmates From Lawson Pigott Motors To Come Forward

The devastated family of a Barnet mechanic who died from asbestos-related cancer have joined with lawyers to appeal for anyone who worked with him during his apprenticeship at a garage in the 1960s to help them seek justice regarding his illness.

Father-of-two Raymond Rebbeck died aged 83 in December 2016 around 13 months after he was first diagnosed of mesothelioma – a terminal cancer which affects the lining of the lung and is commonly linked to contact with asbestos.

Following his death, Raymond’s family instructed London-based asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came to be exposed to the material.

Now, after examining Raymond’s work history, the legal experts are keen to gather more information about the conditions he would have faced while completing his apprenticeship at East Barnet-based Lawson Pigott Motors Ltd between 1961/62 to 1964/65.

Lacey St James, specialist asbestos-related disease at Irwin Mitchell’s London office  representing Raymond’s loved ones, said: “Sheila and the rest of the family remain devastated by their loss and are very determined to gain answers regarding the asbestos exposure which ultimately led to his death.

“We would be hugely grateful to anyone who can provide information in relation to the working conditions that Raymond would have faced during his time at Lawson Pigott Motors Ltd, as such details could prove integral to our efforts to get his family the justice they deserve regarding their loss.

“This case is yet another terrible reminder of the huge consequences that asbestos exposure can have often many years down the line. The deadly material has a terrible legacy which has gone on to affect simply too many lives.”

Raymond first met Sheila in Edgware in 1963. The pair married St Anthony’s Church, Edgware in 1964 and had two children, Mark and Alison, 51 and 59.

Raymond started to suffer breathlessness in August 2015, with a subsequent chest X-ray leading to fluid being drained from his lung. Despite an improvement in his condition, he then developed severe pain and was ultimately diagnosed with mesothelioma in November of that year.

Looking back on his work at Lawson Pigott, Raymond recalled that he often changed brake pads and clutch plates on vehicles including cars, vans and lorries and added that such items could on some occasions be made from asbestos materials.

Sheila said: “I remember him talking about how the work would generate so much dust, as well as how fan heaters in the building would often pick up dust and circulate it into the atmosphere again. Even though it is now more than a year since Raymond died, the entire family still misses him so much. He was such a loving caring husband and was a great father. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may recall working with Raymond or has key information which could help our efforts.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lacey St James at Irwin Mitchell's London office on 0203 040 3445 or email Lacey.StJames@IrwinMitchell.com

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related cancer cases.