Plea For Information On Working Conditions At The Dance Centre And The Sanctuary In Covent Garden

The family of a former carpenter are making a plea to his ex-colleagues for help following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

James Dermody, known as Jim, formerly of Woolwich in South East London, died from mesothelioma which is a terminal form of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, often decades earlier. 

It was only after the 93-year-old’s death that the disease was diagnosed and his three daughters instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Jim’s family and their legal team are now marking Global Asbestos Awareness Week by appealing for information about how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked for The Sanctuary Spa swimming pool and The Dance Centre, both in Covent Garden.  Jim worked on the conversion of these buildings between 1977 and 1986.

Expert Opinion

“Jim’s death is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has left behind with the majority of people diagnosed many years after their exposure took place.

His loved ones have been left devastated by his death and still have a number of questions about how he came to be in contact with asbestos and fell ill.

While nothing can make up for their loss we’re determined to provide the family with the answers they deserve.

Therefore we would be grateful if anyone who worked on building The Sanctuary and The Dance Centre could come forward with information on the conditions they faced. Any detail, no matter how small, could prove vital.”
Samantha Pitts (nee Shaw) - Senior Associate

As a carpenter, Jim also worked on prefabricated buildings and demolished old warehouses.

He started complaining of symptoms including chest pain, cough and fatigue around May or June last year.  He had fluid drained from his lung and underwent a series of scans. 

He died on 24 November 2020. A post mortem examination confirmed he had been suffering from mesothelioma.

Jim was married to Bridget, who died in 2008 aged 80.  The couple had three daughters – Bridget, Julie and Mary.

His daughters said: “When we lost dad, we were all devastated.  We had to watch him suffer in his last months, not knowing if there was anything we could do to help. 

“Even though it was suspected, it wasn’t until after he died that we were told it was mesothelioma and that his work could be to blame.

“While nothing will ever make up for what’s happened or bring him back to us, we have so many unanswered questions about his illness.  To get these would at least help us honour his memory, so we would be grateful if anyone who worked alongside him could come forward and help us.”

Anyone with information about working conditions at The Sanctuary or The Dance Centre should contact Samantha Shaw on 01223 791815 or by e-mail at samantha.shaw@irwinmitchell.com

Global Asbestos Awareness Week runs from 1 to 7 April and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos and prevent exposure, including by families affected by the hazardous material telling their story.

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