Man Marks Action Mesothelioma Day By Appealing For Help From Workmates

A former joiner has spoken of his race against time to secure answers as to how he contracted the asbestos-related cancer which looks set to claim his life.

Kenneth Abram, from Grange Avenue in Scarborough, wants his family to find out how he came into contact with the asbestos believed to be responsible for his mesothelioma.

The 72-year-old, after which the Abram’s View housing estate in Scarborough is named after, has instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Kenneth has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in marking Action Mesothelioma Day by appealing for anyone who worked alongside him during his time at Glaves Builders in the 1970s and 1980s to come forward and provide information on the presence of asbestos during projects.

Expert Opinion

“The terrible legacy of asbestos has touched so many lives through the years and Action Mesothelioma Day is a chance to reflect on the issue.

“Kenneth and his family have been devastated by his diagnosis. While nothing can make up for what has happened we at least hope we can provide them with the answers they deserve about his diagnosis before it’s too late.

“Therefore we would appeal for anyone who worked with Kenneth or anyone who remembers Glaves Builders’ estates being constructed and who has information about conditions on site to come forward.” Lucy Andrews - Associate Solicitor

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Kenneth, a father-of-two is married to Pauline, 64. He worked at Glaves Builders from 1973 to 1986 and was often involved in the construction of new-build bungalows. He specifically recalls working on developments in Seamer, Abbots Garth, Thornton Le Dale and West Ayton.

Recalling his work, Kenneth said:  “Most of the time the job involved putting joists in and installing roofs. I would also have to make soffits and these would be created using asbestos sheeting. Me and my colleagues would do this by cutting the sheets to size and then installing them.”

During his time at Glaves, Kenneth and his family were honoured when the company chose to name a new housing estate – Abram’s View – after them. The decision was in tribute to his work and also his father, Benjamin, who had worked at Scarborough Hospital for 30 years.

Kenneth has experienced pain in his chest, back and shoulder in for a number of years. He underwent tests at the end of last year which confirmed he had developed mesothelioma – a form of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos.

Kenneth said:  “The illness has had a massive mental and physical impact on my life. Before me and Pauline loved going away in our motorhome every few weeks. We would go everywhere but now I struggle to do so many things due to the symptoms.

“I have had chemotherapy and take medication but still face so much pain and fatigue.

“It is devastating to think this all could have been caused by my work and I am desperate for answers. I would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to help with my case.”

Action Mesothelioma Day is on 5 July. Held annually, the event aims to raise awareness of the illness and the impact that asbestos has on so many lives.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucy Andrews at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 394 6782 or lucy.andrews@irwinmitchell.com