Loved Ones And Lawyers Appeal To Former Joiner’s Old Workmates

The family of a Leicester joiner has launched a legal action to establish if his job caused his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Geoffrey Evans died aged 67 on New Year’s Day 2018, around 18 months after he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung invariably linked to contact with asbestos materials.

In his lifetime, the father-of-three and his wife of 47 years Doreen, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and how he was exposed to asbestos.

As part of their ongoing investigations, the family’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell has joined with Geoff’s loved ones to appeal for anyone who worked alongside him at Leicester-based construction firm, A Fisher & Co, in the late 1960s to come forward and provide information on the working conditions he may have faced.

Expert Opinion

“Doreen and the rest of the family remain devastated by their loss.

“It is our view that Geoff was likely to have been exposed to hazardous asbestos while working as an apprentice joiner at A Fisher & Co and, as such, we are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Geoff on Leicestershire construction sites or who was employed by the company during the same period.

“Such information would help us secure vital answers for the family as well as justice regarding the loss they have had to endure.” Simone Hardy - Senior Associate Solicitor

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Geoffrey, of Thurnby, joined A Fisher & Co as an apprentice joiner in 1967, when he was just 17-years-old.

Prior to his death, he recalled how the role saw him work on a range of sites such as a project for a new bingo hall in Swan Street, Loughborough, as well as on houses in Walton and Kimcote in Leicestershire. Before his death, he told his family and solicitors how he would be required to cut cement-based asbestos soffit boards to size so that they could be fitted to newly built houses.

Geoffrey left the company in 1970.

Doreen, 69, said: “Prior to his diagnosis Geoff was fit and healthy. He was really active and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He loved playing golf and was a keen supporter of Leicester City.

‘He was an incredible husband and dad who would do anything for his family. We were all stunned when we were told that he had terminal cancer.

“To see his condition deteriorate towards the end as the cancer got the better of him was awful. We all miss Geoff so much. While we know that nothing will ever bring him back, we just feel we deserve some answers and closure regarding the suffering and torment he went through.”

Anyone with information which could assist with this case is asked to contact Simone Hardy at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office on 0114 274 4321 or email simone.hardy@irwinmitchell.com