Appeal For Information On Working Conditions At ICI Site In Runcorn

The family of a former research chemist are appealing to his ex-workmates for help following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Ken Chynoweth, of West Kirby, Wirral, died from mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, often decades earlier.

Following the 80-year-old’s death, his family, including stepson Andy Postlethwaite, instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Ken’s family and their legal team are now 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 ICI Chemicals and Polymers Limited in Runcorn. Ken was a research chemist at the site from 1961 until the 1990s. 

Expert Opinion

“Ken’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.

Understandably Andy and the rest of Ken’s loved ones have been left devastated by his death and still have a number of questions about what caused his illness.

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 at ICI in Runcorn could come forward with information on the working conditions they faced at the site. Any detail could prove vital to the investigation.”
Katrina London - Senior Associate Solicitor

Ken first start complaining of symptoms, including shortness of breath, in January 2019 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2019.  He died in December 2019.

Ken was married to Andy’s mum, Christine, who sadly passed away in March last year.

Andy, 50, said: “Losing Ken was awful and I know my mum found it particularly difficult to come to terms with.

“It was especially hard for us to have to watch him deteriorate and knowing there was nothing we could do to help.

“We know nothing will change what happened to Ken but we still have unanswered questions about his illness.

“His medical records refer to him being exposed to asbestos during his early days at ICI, but we do not know anything about those times, so we would we grateful if anyone who can recall working at ICI in Runcorn in the research department, particularly if they worked with Ken, could provide us with more details.

“While we can’t bring Ken back, it would at least help us honour his memory.”

Anyone with information about working conditions at ICI in Runcorn should contact Katrina London on 0161 838 7262 or by e-mail at Katrina.london@irwinmitchell.com.

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