Information Sought On Construction Company Following Father’s Death

The family of a dad who died from asbestos-related cancer are appealing to his former workmates for information on how he was exposed to the substance that claimed his life.

William Gosling, 84, from Norwich died having being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Prior to his death, William instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

William’s condition deteriorated so rapidly, that his widow, Patricia, 82, is now continuing the search for answers in her husband’s memory. An inquest concluded he died as a result of industrial disease.

Ahead of this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 1 July, Patricia has joined with the legal team in appealing for any of William’s former workmates to come forward with information that could aid the investigation. They are keen to trace anyone who worked with William at Norwich-based RG Carter from 1961 to 1971, when he was employed on several building projects across Norfolk.

Expert Opinion

“William’s sudden diagnosis and death from mesothelioma has left Patricia and the family in a state of shock. Understandably they’re still struggling to come to terms with his death and have a lot of unanswered questions.

Mesothelioma is a terrible disease and William’s death is like too many we sadly hear, with his exposure believed to have taken place many years before his diagnosis.

If any of William’s former colleagues can contact us, it could prove a huge help to the family in understanding how he came into contact with asbestos. Any details could make all the difference in helping the family get to the bottom of what happened, providing them with the answers and closure they deserve.”
Natalia Rushworth-White - Associate Solicitor

During 10 years with RG Carter, William worked his way up to site foreman and was engaged on several building projects across the county during that period. William told the family that he worked on a variety of buildings, from office blocks to homes. Later in his career, William was a lecturer in construction and was very well-respected.

Away from work, William loved spending time with his family. He and his wife would go to their caravan in Suffolk most weekends in the summer. William was a very keen golfer and played a few times a week, and he played badminton twice a week. He was also very proud of his garden which he worked hard on.

William remained in good health until he started ultimately to develop shortness of breath in August 2021. Initially doctors thought this was due to his heart, but then one evening at home William became so severely short of breath he was taken to hospital. Soon after he was admitted to hospital he was told he was suffering with the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma. William died in hospital just two weeks later in September 2021, with his wife by his side. He is survived by his widow Patricia, sons Mark and Steven, step-daughters Alison, Nicola and Joanne, and seven grandchildren.

Patricia said: “The months since Bill’s death have been so hard for the family. I still can’t believe he’s gone and I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it; it was such a shock.

“He was a doting dad and a wonderful husband and the silence now he’s no longer at home is a constant reminder of what his loss has cost us. He became ill so suddenly that we simply didn’t know what to do for the best or how to help him. He really wanted to find out how this had happened to him, but he was robbed of the chance to do so.

“Bill felt sure he had encountered asbestos during his career, as it was so widely used in the construction industry at one point. However, he was too ill at the end to pass on many details.

“Bill would have been so pleased if his passing could highlight the dangers of this disease. If any of Bill’s old workmates could help us shed any light on what the working conditions were like, it would be such a big help to us. Nothing now can bring my husband back home but we can finish this last task for him in his memory and allow a good and decent man to rest in peace.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791893 or natalia.rushworth-white@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