Family And Lawyers Seek Details On Working Conditions At Rotherham’s KP Nuts Factory

The widow of a former security guard from Doncaster is appealing to his former work colleagues for help following her husband’s death from asbestos-related disease.

Roy Martin, from Edlington in Doncaster, died at the age of 80, two years after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining associated with asbestos exposure, which often occurred decades previously.

Following Roy’s death, his widow Jean Martin, 79, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it was linked to his work history.

Jean is now joining her legal team in appealing to any former workmates who remember the father of three from his time as a security guard at the KP Nuts factory on the Eastwood Trading Estate in Rotherham from 1983 to 2002.

The family is particularly keen to hear from anyone who knew Roy between 1987 and 1988, when they believe his exposure to asbestos at the site could have taken place.

Expert Opinion

“Roy was a much loved husband and father and the family is still coming to terms with his loss.

“Through our work we are only too aware of the devastation asbestos can cause and sadly Roy’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy that asbestos has left behind.

“The family have a number of concerns about how Roy came into contact with asbestos and the recollections of former colleagues could prove vital.

“Nothing can bring Roy back, but if anyone who remembers working with him could contact us, it would mean a great deal to Jean and her family and could prove key in providing the answers they deserve as to how he came to be exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.” Nick Woods - Associate Paralegal

Having completed his national service between 1955 and 1957, Roy married Jean on Boxing Day, 1959 and the couple went on to have three sons together -  Peter, Kevin and Stephen.

From 1958 until 1982, Roy worked for various Doncaster firms, before joining KP Nuts in 1983, where he then worked until he retired in 2002. Jean recalled Roy telling her that the gatehouse he worked in contained pipes lagged with asbestos and that in the late 1980s, steps were taken to remove it. The factory closed so contractors could remove the asbestos, but Roy had to remain on site to let them in.

Roy was not asked to leave the gatehouse while the asbestos lagging was removed, despite the contractors wearing full protective equipment (PPE), Jean said. When he returned home from work during the removal, he would be covered in dust from head to foot.

Roy started to feel unwell in 2015 and went into Doncaster Royal infirmary for tests. A CT scan showed a build-up of fluid on his lung and the official diagnosis of mesothelioma came in August, 2015. Referred to the Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield for chemotherapy, Roy could no longer continue after four treatments. He returned home until his condition deteriorated and he passed away, in hospital, on 12 December, 2017.

Speaking about her husband, Jean said: “We were and remain completely devastated by Roy’s diagnosis and death. It came as a huge shock to us. Roy had always been fit and healthy, so to be hit with the realisation that his health was not going to last was terribly upsetting for the entire family.

“Roy was a wonderful husband who loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing with friends and family, as well as working in the garden and spending time on a number of DIY projects.

“We couldn’t think of where he could possibly have worked with asbestos, until Roy recalled the asbestos removal work at the factory. We don’t know much more than what Roy could tell us before he passed away.

“Seeing him towards the end of his life as the cancer took a grip was heartbreaking. If anyone does remember Roy from the time and could help us, we would be so grateful.”

Anyone who has information that could help Jean and the family is asked to contact Nick Woods at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4292 or email nick.woods@irwinmitchell.com

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