Cambridgeshire Man Diagnosed With Mesothelioma Before His Death

The daughter of a man from St Ives in Cambridgeshire, who died just over six months after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, is appealing to his former colleagues for help after instructing specialist lawyers to investigate his exposure to asbestos.

Peter Adams, a former labourer, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in Spring 2017 following tests at Papworth Hospital. He died on 18th November, aged 87 at Sue Ryder St. John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger in Bedfordshire. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lung associated with asbestos exposure often decades before symptoms begin to appear.

Following his death, Peter’s daughter Jan instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her dad’s exposure to asbestos and whether more could have been done to protect him from the harmful dust and fibres.

Now, on the first anniversary of his death, the Jan and her legal team are appealing to Peter’s former colleagues at W&J Glossop Ltd for help. Peter was employed by the firm in 1967 and 1968.

Samantha Shaw, the asbestos-related disease legal specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Peter’s experience is one that we sadly see all too many times in our work. People working in heavy industry were often exposed to asbestos without being made aware of its dangers, or being protected from it.

“We have been working hard to develop a clear picture of his working life and would be hugely grateful to anyone who can provide detail regarding how and whether he may have been exposed to asbestos while working for W&J Glossop Ltd.

“Any information no matter how small could make a significant difference to our efforts to help Jan gain justice.” Samantha Shaw - Senior Associate

The company was a prestigious road-building company and would do jobs nationally. Peter would work across the country while employed by W&J Glossop Ltd.

On the first anniversary of his death, his daughter Jan said: “I am desperate to get some justice for dad. It was horrible to see how quickly his health deteriorated following his diagnosis.

“Unfortunately dad didn’t talk much about his work during his life, so it’s important any of his former colleagues come forward with any information they may have about the presence of asbestos during his work.”

Shortly after his death, Peter’s widow, Thelma, passed away. The two had been married for 65 years and were absolutely devoted to each other.

Jan added: “It was heartbreaking to lose mum so soon after dad. I am still devastated by the loss of my parents, and how they died.

“They were inseparable and when dad passed away, mum was inconsolable, so the asbestos disease effectively took two lives. 

“Sadly they aren’t here now to fight for justice, so I am determined to get some answers for mum and dad regarding how and where dad was exposed to asbestos, and whether more could have been done to protect him.”

Jan’s legal team would also be interested in speaking to those who worked at Keith Wright Ltd, in Fenstanton, between 1961 and 1968 and Ely Sewage Division, at Marley Gap in St Ives, Cambs, and Cambridgeshire County Council between and 1975 and 1996.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Samantha Shaw at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office on 01223 791 815 or email Samantha.Shaw@IrwinMitchell.com.

Read about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in mesothelioma cases.