£11,000 Recovered For St Peter’s Hospice Which Delivered Vital Care For Man Before His Mesothelioma Death

A hospice in Bristol has received a vital funding boost after lawyers recovered the care costs for a man it cared for before his death from asbestos-related cancer.

A cheque for £11,050 was presented to St. Peter’s Hospice in Brentry following the death of Albert Foster. The 85-year-old died less than a month after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, Albert, from the Yate area of Bristol instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether he was exposed to the hazardous material during his time as a sheet metal worker.

Albert, a father, grandfather and great grandfather of two died before he could see his case concluded, leaving his family, including granddaughter Sarah Vernon, 42, to take on his quest for answers in his memory.

Irwin Mitchell recovered Albert’s family a settlement in connection with his asbestos exposure. As part of the settlement, and thanks to a previous landmark court judgment secured by Irwin Mitchell, the legal experts were able to recover the costs of Alfred’s care when staying at St Peter’s Hospice.

Over the past year, Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol-based asbestos-related disease team has recovered more than £93,000 for hospices across the South West.

Members from the asbestos team have also been helping to improve the gardens at St. Peter’s, in recognition of clients who have benefitted from the vital services the hospice provides.

Sarah and the family’s legal team have now come together to pay tribute to the staff at St. Peter’s for their care of Albert and to remember the much-loved father and grandfather ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April.

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is a dreadful illness the impact of which is often only discovered many years after exposure to asbestos has taken place.

“Following Albert’s death his family was determined to honour his memory and get to the truth concerning his exposure.

“While nothing can make up for the pain they continue to feel, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to recover this settlement for the family.

“The staff at St. Peter’s provided first-class care for Albert and support to the family. It means a lot to Sarah and the rest of the family that we’ve been able to recover vital costs that will help ensure St. Peter’s can offer the same care to patients in the future.

“Workers’ Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to remember those like Albert who lost their lives due to exposure to asbestos and a chance to warn others of the danger still posed by asbestos today.” Isabelle Selley - Senior Associate Solicitor

Albert, who was married to Margaret, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2019. He was admitted to St Peter’s Hospice and died on 7 April, 2019. Sadly Margaret also passed away on 31 May 2021.

Sarah said: “Granddad was an amazing man and his family were his pride and joy. Before his diagnosis he was still active for his age and enjoyed decorating and gardening but above all playing with his great-grandchildren.

“Grandad was so committed to his case, he insisted on going through the papers with me while he was in St. Peter’s, despite his illness and having little time left. It was this determination that made us realise we had to carry on his search for the truth in his memory.

“He was the kind of man who would have wanted to do something for St. Peter’s and it’s a comfort to know he got his wish in the end. The staff were there for Granddad, they were there for us as a family and we can’t thank them enough for all they did.”

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