Man Diagnosed With Terminal Mesothelioma After Being Exposed To Hazardous Material While Working For Bus Company

A former rugby development coach living with asbestos cancer has spoken of his ‘passion’ for the sport and how he’s determined to remain active in the community after lawyers secured a settlement regarding his illness.

Former fitter Tim Reed, 67, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis in 2018, Tim, who previously worked for the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material endangering his life.

Tim’s legal team has now successfully secured a six-figure settlement in connection with his asbestos exposure which happened when working for Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, after First Eastern Counties Buses Limited accepted responsibility.  This will ensure that Tim has access to the specialist treatment and therapies he requires.

Tim, from Bar Hill near Cambridge, was employed by Eastern Counties Omnibus Company in Peterborough between 1968 and 1973.  He was based at the depot on Lincoln Road where he undertook an apprenticeship and qualified as a fitter.  He would work on the brakes and clutches of the buses, which contained asbestos.

Expert Opinion

“Tim’s diagnosis is a reminder of the terrible legacy that asbestos and its widespread use has left behind.

While nothing can make up for what Tim and his family are going through, we’re pleased to have successfully secured a settlement in the case. The option for future treatment means a great deal to Tim, providing him with some reassurance that he and his family will be supported throughout his illness and his loved ones will be looked after for years to come.

Despite his challenges Tim continues to show great courage and determination to make the most of life, particularly through his passion for rugby.

However, the dangers of asbestos should never be downplayed. Tim is sharing his story to help make others aware of the risk still posed by asbestos in workplaces.”
Rosemary Giles - Partner

Tim was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018 after developing a chest infection and whilst having a scan for his kidneys. His wife of 28 years, Christine, and his adult children Hannah and William have been supporting him.

Since his diagnosis and despite undergoing chemotherapy, he was determined not to miss much of his work as a rugby development coach with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

He joined the RFU in 2006, and had been on hand to help throughout lockdown as they awaited the return of games.  Sadly, during a recent restructuring, he was unable to reapply for his job, due to his condition.

Tim said: “I was absolutely devastated when I was given my diagnosis as I didn’t really feel unwell.  I really didn’t expect it to be cancer.  Then to be told that it was probably as a result of me working on the buses came as a huge shock.

“Over the past couple of years, my condition has gradually deteriorated, but I tried my best to keep working as I’m committed to the sport and it’s something I really enjoyed.  I have a real passion for rugby and have spent a lot of time visiting schools and helping local clubs develop their players and coaches.  I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved over the years.

“While there is nothing I can do to change what I’m going through, I’m very thankful that the settlement is now in place to help me get the treatment I need, and to also make sure my family are taken care of in the future.

“It’s vital that people and employers are aware of the dangers of asbestos and take all safety measures possible.”

A former rugby development coach living with asbestos cancer has spoken of his ‘passion’ for the sport and how he’s determined to remain active in the community after lawyers secured a settlement regarding his illness.

Former fitter Tim Reed, 67, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis in 2018, Tim, who previously worked for the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material endangering his life.

Tim’s legal team has now successfully secured a six-figure settlement in connection with his asbestos exposure which happened when working for Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, after First Eastern Counties Buses Limited accepted responsibility.  This will ensure that Tim has access to the specialist treatment and therapies he requires.

Tim, from Bar Hill near Cambridge, was employed by Eastern Counties Omnibus Company in Peterborough between 1968 and 1973.  He was based at the depot on Lincoln Road where he undertook an apprenticeship and qualified as a fitter.  He would work on the brakes and clutches of the buses, which contained asbestos.

Rosemary Giles, an asbestos-related disease specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Tim, said: “Tim’s diagnosis is a reminder of the terrible legacy that asbestos and its widespread use has left behind.

“While nothing can make up for what Tim and his family are going through, we’re pleased to have successfully secured a settlement in the case.  The option for future treatment means a great deal to Tim, providing him with some reassurance that he and his family will be supported throughout his illness and his loved ones will be looked after for years to come.

“Despite his challenges Tim continues to show great courage and determination to make the most of life, particularly through his passion for rugby.

“However, the dangers of asbestos should never be downplayed. Tim is sharing his story to help make others aware of the risk still posed by asbestos in workplaces.”

Tim was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018 after developing a chest infection and whilst having a scan for his kidneys. His wife of 28 years, Christine, and his adult children Hannah and William have been supporting him.

Since his diagnosis and despite undergoing chemotherapy, he was determined not to miss much of his work as a rugby development coach with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

He joined the RFU in 2006, and had been on hand to help throughout lockdown as they awaited the return of games.  Sadly, during a recent restructuring, he was unable to reapply for his job, due to his condition.

Tim said: “I was absolutely devastated when I was given my diagnosis as I didn’t really feel unwell.  I really didn’t expect it to be cancer.  Then to be told that it was probably as a result of me working on the buses came as a huge shock.

“Over the past couple of years, my condition has gradually deteriorated, but I tried my best to keep working as I’m committed to the sport and it’s something I really enjoyed.  I have a real passion for rugby and have spent a lot of time visiting schools and helping local clubs develop their players and coaches.  I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved over the years.

“While there is nothing I can do to change what I’m going through, I’m very thankful that the settlement is now in place to help me get the treatment I need, and to also make sure my family are taken care of in the future.

“It’s vital that people and employers are aware of the dangers of asbestos and take all safety measures possible.”

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