Devastated Wife of ‘Wonderful’ Husband Marks Workers’ Memorial Day With A Plea For Greater Asbestos Awareness

The widow of a man from Hull who died from asbestos-related disease is calling for greater awareness of the dangers posed by the substance, after lawyers secured her a settlement following her husband’s death.

Alexander Crum, 65, a self-employed domestic energy assessor from Hull, died from mesothelioma, a terminal illness related to asbestos exposure, on 9 March, 2019.

Following his diagnosis in September 2017, Alex instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the substance that was to ultimately claim his life.

His widow, Lynne, will now receive a settlement regarding Alex’s mesothelioma, attributed to asbestos exposure when working for Stephen Developments (later Austin Hall Building Systems) in Huddersfield. As an apprentice at the company from age 16-21, Alex worked on pre-fabricated buildings, used by schools and as offices, constructed with asbestolux sheets.

Sadly, Alex passed away before he could see justice done, so Lynne is using this year’s Workers Memorial Day to warn others of the risk posed by asbestos in the workplace and paid tribute to a ‘wonderful’ husband and the family’s pain in being robbed of a father and grandfather.

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“We are pleased to have been able to help Lynne secure this settlement and hope the answers bring some comfort and closure in what has been a terrible ordeal for the whole family.

While nothing can bring Alex back, the settlement puts an end to an uncertain future, and speaking on the danger of asbestos on Workers’ Memorial Day is a great way to pay tribute to Alex.

It’s so brave for Lynne to think of the risk to others in the face of her own loss and to encourage other workers to educate themselves on the risk still posed by this silent killer.” Lucy Andrews - Associate Solicitor

Prior to his diagnosis, Alex was a healthy, active man. He enjoyed spending time with Lynne on caravan trips, holidaying abroad, 10-15 mile walks every Sunday, swimming and time with their five grandchildren. All were all put on hold, as Alex was unable to work, help around the home or do all the shared hobbies he enjoyed with Lynne so much, as his illness progressed.

As Alex was pre-retirement age and just started his own business, his death left the family facing an uncertain future. While the settlement eases these concerns, the family, including Alex’s dad and two sons are still coming to terms with the loss of a family man on the verge of retirement and full of plans for the future.

Lynne Crum, 59, said: “Alex was a wonderful husband, father and grandad and we all miss him every day. He didn’t deserve what happened to him, having worked so hard all his life.

“Prior to the onset of Alex’s mesothelioma symptoms, he was as fit as a fiddle. Whenever we went away, we used to speak of our future plans once we had retired. We had intended to tour Cornwall and Scotland. All our hopes and dreams have been taken from us in such a cruel way.

“You hear very little about the impact on the loved ones left behind and who share the pain of the diagnosis. Alex experienced severe symptoms and to see someone you love so ill was a terrible thing for all of us and no one else should have to go through that experience.

“This terrible substance is still very much with us. I just hope Alex’s story will remind today’s employers that the dangers posed by asbestos must never be ignored.”

Held every year, Workers’ Memorial Day is an opportunity to ‘remember those we have lost’, paying respects to those who have died as a result of their employment, yet at the same time, campaigning to increase health and safety standards in the workplace.

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