Information Sought From Old Workmates On Lotus Car Company In The 1970s

The widow of a former project engineer is appealing to his former work colleagues for help in discovering how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Roy Strange, 85, died in November 2021 from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Prior to his death, Roy, of Norwich, had instructed asbestos-related disease specialists at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his case and if his exposure was linked to his work history.

Following his death, Roy’s widow Maureen, is now continuing the investigation in his memory.

To mark this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 1 July, Maureen has now joined with her legal team to appeal to Roy’s former workmates to come forward with any information on the working conditions he may have faced throughout his career.

They are particularly keen to trace anyone who worked with Roy during his time at the Lotus Company. Roy worked for Lotus for 30 years, from 1971 to 2001, initially in London and then later at the firm’s site in Hethel, near Wymondham, Norfolk.

Expert Opinion

“Just a few months on from Roy’s death, his family are understandably still coming to terms with the loss of a much-loved husband and dad.

Roy’s death is like many cases we’re involved in where someone has gone on to be diagnosed with cancer many years after their exposure to asbestos took place.

While nothing can bring Roy back, we’re determined to help the family in uncovering the truth about his asbestos exposure and give Maureen the answers she is looking for.

If anyone who worked with Roy or recalls the working conditions he would have faced could come forward, it would mean a lot to the family.”
Samantha Pitts (nee Shaw) - Senior Associate

Roy began working for Lotus in 1971 and as a project engineer, remaining with the firm for 30 years. From its base in London, the firm moved to Hethel, near Wymondham, where Roy worked in a hanger based on the airfield. The new cars were kept in the hanger on the site.

Roy started suffering with symptoms including a cough in March 2021. After enduring one cycle of chemotherapy Roy passed away in November 2021 surrounded by his family and leaves behind wife Maureen and his two sons.

Prior to the diagnosis, Roy was very fit and active. He enjoyed going to Spain with his wife and loved his garden.

Maureen said: “It was such a shock when Roy was diagnosed with mesothelioma. We couldn’t believe it and even now it’s just so hard to accept that he’s no longer with us. We’re a close family and there’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of him. Losing Roy has turned all our lives upside down.

“Right now, it’s hard to think in terms of the future but Roy wanted to get at the truth of how he came to develop his cancer. It seems only right to see that we do our best to honour his last wish.

“If anyone who worked with Roy could get in touch it would mean a lot. Any information that they can give us would help complete the picture and ultimately allow Roy to rest in peace.”

Held every year, Action Mesothelioma Day brings together victims of asbestos related diseases in general, those who have loved ones affected, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand asbestos related disease and find treatments and cures for sufferers. The day aims to ensure the public are also aware of the terrible impact asbestos related disease can have on sufferers and their carers.

Anyone with information that might help Maureen is asked to contact Samantha Shaw at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791815 or email samantha.shaw@irwinmitchell.com

Held every year, Action Mesothelioma Day brings together victims of the disease, those who have loved ones affected, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand mesothelioma and find a cure. The day aims to ensure the public are also aware of the terrible impact mesothelioma can have on sufferers and their carers.

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