Specialist Lawyers Supporting Family Of Bury St Edmunds Man

The widow of a Suffolk man who died from asbestos cancer is appealing to his former colleagues for information that may help determine how he fell ill.

David Williams, from Bury St Edmunds, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2021. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, which is most commonly associated with being exposed to asbestos often decades previously.

Prior to his death in February this year, David had instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether his exposure could be linked to his employment history. His widow Beverley is now continuing with the investigation.

To mark Worker’s Memorial Day, she is joining her legal team in appealing to David’s former colleagues from Suffolk Iron Foundry in Stowmarket, for details on the working conditions they faced and any other information that may establish where his asbestos exposure had taken place.

Expert Opinion

“It’s only two months since David died and his loved ones are understandably devastated at their loss, particularly Beverley who is still struggling to come to terms with him no longer being here.

Through our work, we sadly come across many people affected by asbestos many years after initial exposure. While there’s nothing we can do to make up for Beverley’s loss, we’re determined to at least provide her with the answers David sought before he died.

Therefore, we would be grateful if anyone who remembers working alongside David could come forward with information. Any detail, no matter how small, could be vital in our investigations.”
Natalia Rushworth-White - Associate Solicitor

David worked at the Suffolk Iron Foundry in 1962 at the age of 18.  He was based in the maintenance department, which involved working around the production line, as well as the paint, metal bending and welding workshops.  He believed that asbestos may have been used during his time here.

In December 2020, David developed a cough.  He underwent a series of tests and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2021.  He died in February this year.

At the time of his death, David had been married to Beverley for 44 years.  The couple had five children and 10 grandchildren.

Beverley, 68, said: “When David first began to feel unwell, he thought it was just a cough or, at worst, a chest infection.  It was such a shock for us all to find out he had asbestos cancer and to lose him just a year after he was diagnosed was devastating.

“Without David by my side, it’s very difficult to think about what the future holds now.

“While there is nothing that can be done to change what I’m going through, I want to honour David’s memory by getting him the answers he deserved.

“I would be incredibly grateful if anyone could come forward and help.”

Anyone with information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White on 01223 791 893 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