Call For Colleagues From Two Jobs In The 1970s To Come Forward

A former shop fitter and joiner from Manchester who was diagnosed with asbestos-related disease last year is appealing for old workmates from two of his previous jobs to come forward and help him discover how he developed the illness.

Father-of-three Terence Connally, 67, from Gorton, was diagnosed with asbestosis – a condition which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs – after developing symptoms including breathlessness.

Following the news, the grandfather-of-four instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how the condition emerged and whether more could have been done to prevent it.

Now, as part of their ongoing investigations, the legal team are keen to hear from anyone who may have worked with Terence during his time employed by HL Cornes between 1966 and 1973, as well as any workmates from his period at Humphreys & Glasgow from 1973 to 1975.

Armon Momenabadi, the lawyer and asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office who is acting for Terence, said: “Our client’s experience is sadly similar to a great number which we are involved in, as it relates to an individual seemingly exposed to asbestos during his time involved in construction and refurbishment projects many decades ago.

“We are continuing to work to develop a clear picture of Terence’s work history and would be hugely grateful to anyone who could shed light on the conditions he would have faced during his time at these two employers.

“Such information could prove integral to our efforts to get him and his family the justice they deserve in relation to his condition.”

Terence, who has been married to his wife Carole for 48 years, was employed by HL Cornes, a shop fitting company, in Droylsden as an apprentice shop fitter and joiner from 1966.

He remained at the company until 1973, when he moved to Humphreys & Glasgow and worked there as a joiner for two years. Humphreys & Glasgow, a construction company, were based in London however Terence worked for them renovating houses in Chester.

He recalled: “During my time at HL Cornes I recall having a number of tasks to carry out, including ripping asbestos lagging off pipes and also cutting up asbestos boarding which was then used as a fireproofing.

“When I moved to Humphreys & Glasgow, I specifically remember renovation work on houses in Chester and undertaking tasks such as cutting up asbestos boarding and using it to box in heating pipes.

“At the time I was never given any indication that I was at risk of serious illness, so it is hard to take that I may have developed asbestosis as a result of my work. I feel I deserve answers and justice after what I have been through and would be hugely grateful to anyone who might have information which could help.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Armon Momenabadi at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office on 0161 838 3099 or Armon.Momenabadi@IrwinMitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in asbestosis claims.