Details Sought On Construction Company Following Dad-Of-Three’s Death

The devastated family of a Norfolk dad-of-three who died from asbestos-related cancer are appealing to his former workmates for help in establishing how he developed the disease.

Kenny Leggett, from Gorleston, was diagnosed with mesothelioma aged 81.  The condition, which is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

He died around five weeks later, in July 2021.

Prior to his death, Kenny instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could have been linked to his work history.  His widow Beryl, 81, is now continuing the investigation alongside his legal team.

Ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day, they are now seeking information from anyone who may have worked alongside Kenny at Norwich-based construction company RG Carter Limited.

Expert Opinion

“The past few months have been incredibly difficult for Kenny’s loved ones, who are understandably struggling to come to terms with losing him so soon after his diagnosis.

Through our work, we come across many families left devastated as a result of being exposed to asbestos, the use of which became well known within the construction industry

Sadly, Kenny died shortly after his diagnosis, leaving Beryl and their children to continue his efforts to get to the truth as to how he was exposed to asbestos.

Therefore the family would be grateful if anyone who remembers working with Kenny could come forward with information that could help with our investigation.

While nothing will make up for their loss, any detail could prove vital in providing Kenny’s family with the answers they deserve.”
Natalia Rushworth-White - Associate Solicitor

Kenny began a bricklayer apprenticeship with RG Carter Limited in 1955.  Following completion, he continued to work for the company as a builder and bricklayer until 1983.  As part of his job, he worked at various locations including universities and food factories.

Before he died, Kenny told his lawyers that he recalled being exposed to asbestos dust during the course of his working life.

Following a hernia operation in March 2021, during routine scans fluid was noticed on Kenny’s lung. Shortly afterwards, he began to complain of pain and breathlessness.

Further tests were carried out and Kenny was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 23 June, 2021.  His condition deteriorated quickly and he began to suffer from confusion, the inability to eat or drink, and struggled to communicate.

Kenny died on 31 July.  At the time of his death, Kenny and Beryl had been married for 61 years.  They have three daughters – Kim, Julie and Lee, who are aged 59, 57 and 51 respectively.

Beryl said: “It’s been less than a year since I lost Kenny and it’s still so painful to accept that he’s no longer here.  He was such a loving husband and dad, and we all miss him so much.

“After he was diagnosed, he went downhill so quickly and it was awful to see.  He lost interest in everything, was very breathless and uncomfortable.  By the end, he couldn’t eat, drink or speak and it was heart-breaking for us all, knowing there was nothing we could do to help him

“During his time as a bricklayer, I remember Kenny saying that he believed he had been in contact with asbestos, particularly during his time working in old factories.  Before he died, he had begun looking into whether this could have led to his illness.  While I can’t turn back the clock and change what he went through, I want to honour his memory by getting the answers he wanted.

“It’s the least he deserves, so I would grateful if anyone could help.”

Anyone with information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White on 01223 791893 or by e-mail at Natalia.Rushworth-White@IrwinMitchell.com.

Workers’ Memorial Day is held on 28 April to remember those who have died as a result of their employment, and campaigns to improve health and safety standards in the workplace and increase protection for employees.

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