Grandfather-Of-One Seeking Information On Working Conditions

A grandfather from Holmfirth who is suffering from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing to his former workmates to come forward with any information that may help in determining how he became exposed to the substance decades ago.

Terence (known as Terry) Cowell, 71, from Netherthong, was diagnosed with mesothelioma earlier this year.  Up until then, he was still fit and independent, and working full-time as a director of a fish and chip shop ranges manufacturing company.

Following his diagnosis, Terry is appealing to any of his former colleagues at Maclean and Nuttall, where he worked as a central heating engineer in the 1970s, to come forward with any knowledge of the working conditions during these years.

He has also instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at national firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he could have been exposed to the harmful substance.

Expert Opinion

“Asbestos-related diseases can be devastating but victims only develop symptoms many years after the initial exposure to harmful dust and fibres.

Establishing the cause of the exposure can be very difficult due to the lapse of time, so we are appealing for anyone who worked at Maclean and Nuttall to come forward and provide information in relation to the company and the working conditions faced there.

Any piece of information, no matter how big or small, could ultimately prove vital in our efforts to help gain answers and justice for Terry.”
Nicola Handley - Senior Associate Solicitor

Terry started working for Maclean and Nuttall, who were based in Liverpool, from 1977/78 to 1978/79.  He was employed as a plumber and central heating engineer in Blackpool and surrounding areas.

Terry believes he was exposed to asbestos through his work which involved stripping out and the removal works of old central heating systems, boilers and associated pipework.

Terry has been married to Karen for 36 years.  He has two children and one granddaughter.  His diagnosis of mesothelioma was a great shock to them all.

Terry said: “I had been quite fit and well up until then, and I enjoyed a busy and active lifestyle.

“In fact, I was finally starting to think about slowing down and enjoying my retirement with my wife and family.  Now my future remains uncertain.

“When asbestos was mentioned by the doctor, I knew that I had been exposed to asbestos as a result of my employment history as a central heating installer.

“I only now hope that I will be able to ensure that my family will be provided for after my death, and that I will be able to see justice done.”

Anyone with any information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Nicola Handley at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 2206 233 or by e-mail at Nicola.Handley@IrwinMitchell.com.

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