Nephew In Plea For Information After ‘Double Tragedy’ Of Uncle And Aunt’s Deaths

The nephew of a York man is appealing to his uncle’s former workmates for information following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

George Derek Eggleton (known as Derek), 86, from York, died after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his death, nephew John Varney, instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness, to see if it is linked to his work history.

They are appealing to any of Derek’s former workmates to come forward with information on where his exposure may have taken place.

The family is particularly looking to trace anyone who recalls the working conditions Derek would have experienced during his employment at Rowntree & Co Limited on Haxby Road, York between 1961 and 1964.

Hannah Robinson, the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting the family, said: “It’s been a very difficult time for the family following Derek’s death from this terrible disease and his death came as a real shock.

“We come across many families devastated by the impact of asbestos exposure and we look to support them as they seek the answers they deserve.

“Derek died before he could begin his search for answers and sadly, his wife, Doris Eggleton, died shortly afterwards, leaving their family to continue their efforts to discover where Derek may have encountered asbestos, which he felt was likely to have been during his working life.

“While nothing can make up for the pain the family have been through any detail could make all the difference in providing Derek’s family with the answers they deserve.”

Derek’s role as a boiler man with Rowntree’s involved him operating, maintaining and repairing the factory boiler.

Derek was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2019. He died on 9 November, 2019.  Wife, Doris, died in April 2020. The couple had no children, leaving nephew, John Varney to seek the answers Derek was looking for concerning his asbestos exposure.

George had various hobbies including that he had been a sea cadet commander for 30 years.

John said: “Even now, it’s so hard to believe that Derek and Doris are no longer with us. To lose them both so quickly was such a shock. They were such a devoted couple that we think Derek’s death just hit our aunt really hard and was a double tragedy for the family.

“Derek had been in good health prior to his diagnosis and we know he was planning to take things further and discover where he may have encountered asbestos, but sadly the disease progressed too quickly for that to be possible.

“After Doris passed away so suddenly, it seemed only right to do what Derek wanted and find out once and for all how he came to be exposed to asbestos.

“Derek was always so good to us and he didn’t deserve to have his life ended in the way it was by this terrible disease.

“If anyone who worked at Rowntree’s, or who knew Derek from his time there could come forward it would be a big help in being able to find out answers in Derek’s memory.”

Anyone with information that may assist with the case is asked to contact Hannah Robinson on 0113 394 6842 or email Hannah.Robinson@IrwinMitchell.com

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