Irwin Mitchell Investigating If Dad Was Exposed During Rebuild Of Castleford Sweet Factory

The family of a father-of-three who died just weeks after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer have launched an emotional appeal for answers regarding how he came to develop the disease.

Jack Hutchinson, a former wages clerk for FC Construction, died last October from mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

Following Jack’s death, the 90-year-old’s family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came to develop mesothelioma and whether it may have been connected to his work.

As part of their investigations, the legal experts are appealing for information about working conditions Jack would have faced during his time at FC Construction in the 1960s. More specifically, they are keen to learn more about whether he may have been exposed to asbestos when he was based on the construction site when the Bellamy sweet factory in Castleford was rebuilt.

Expert Opinion

"This is a truly terrible case which highlights the devastating impact that mesothelioma can have, often many years after exposure to asbestos materials has actually taken place.

“We have been working hard to determine how Jack came into contact with the material and strongly believe that it could be linked to his time at FC Construction. As such, we would be keen to hear from anyone who may be able to provide information regarding the presence of the substance during his time working at the Bellamy factory.

“We would be hugely grateful if any former FC Construction workers or staff employed by Bellamy sweets could be able to support us in our efforts to get justice for Jack’s family.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases 

Castleford-born Jack worked for FC Construction from 1967/68 to 1968/69. As staff were paid weekly in cash, he would often be based in a hut on building sites so he could hand out wages at the end of each week.

His family moved from Castleford to Acton, west London, in 1972 when he took a job in the prison service.

Jack developed breathlessness in August 2018, and following a series of tests, it was confirmed that he was suffering from mesothelioma. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he sadly died at the start of October.

His daughter Alison, 49, said: “The whole family misses Dad so much and it remains very painful to think about how quickly his health deteriorated towards the end of his life.

“Dad was such an active man. When he was younger he was part of the cycling club and loved sailing. He and Mum really loved going on holidays; they owned a house in Spain and would regularly spend a month at a time out there. 

“He and my Mum were inseparable, they did everything together. In the short time we had with Dad following his diagnosis he said how he thought he may have been exposed to asbestos while based at the sweet factory.

“We are desperate for answers regarding how he came to develop mesothelioma, so would appreciate help from anyone who could provide information regarding whether he may have been exposed to asbestos during his time at FC Construction.

“Any detail could make a huge difference to our efforts to gain justice regarding his terrible illness.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tessa Craythorne at Irwin Mitchell’s London office on 0207 421 3987 or email tessa.craythorne@irwinmitchell.com.