Widow And Lawyers Mark Major Awareness Campaign By Seeking Details From Former Colleagues

The family of a former machine operator from Christchurch are appealing to his former workmates for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Alan Roberts was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

He died 18 months later in October, 2022, aged 76.

Following Alan’s death, his family including his wife Christine instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether he could have been exposed to asbestos during his time employed by The Revvo Castor Company Ltd.

Ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day, which campaigns to improve health and safety in the workplace, Alan’s loved ones are joining with their legal team by appealing to his former colleagues for information on the conditions he faced.

Expert Opinion

“Alan’s family, in particular Christine, remain devastated after losing him after his mesothelioma diagnosis.

“Due to its widespread use across many industries, through our work we come across many people affected by asbestos many years after initial exposure has occurred. Alan’s loved ones have many questions over how he came into contact with the hazardous substance. While nothing can make up for what’s happened we’re determined to provide his family with the answers they deserve.

“We’d be grateful to hear from anyone that worked with Alan and could shed some light on the conditions he faced. Any detail could prove vital to our investigation.” Nicola Maier, Asbestos-Related Disease lawyer

Alan was employed by The Revvo Castor Company, based in Christchurch, as a machine setter and operator from 1965 to 1980.  He was one of around 170 employees, and the machines he worked with were used to manufacture heavy industrial castors.

In his role, Alan would use many different materials including rubberised plastic, iron, steel and plastic sheets.  He was regularly around cast iron drilling machines which Christine recalled him saying created a lot of dust.  He was also required to check on these machines to make sure they were working properly.

Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April, 2021.  As a result of his condition, he suffered from breathlessness, coughing, fatigue, weight loss, sweats and shoulder pain.

He died in October last year.

At the time of his death, Alan had been married to Christine for 57 years.

They had two children and two grandchildren together.

Christine, 74, said: “When Alan began to complain of feeling unwell, we thought it was maybe a chest infection, so when we were told he had mesothelioma it was a huge shock.  We hadn’t even heard of the condition before.

“To then lose him afterwards was heart-breaking and I still can’t comprehend spending the rest of my life without him by my side.  He was my soulmate and we did everything together.

“It was awful to have to watch Alan deteriorate, knowing that there was nothing I could do to help.

“All I want now is to find out where Alan was exposed to asbestos, so I’d really appreciate anyone coming forward to help.  I need the answers so I can honour my husband’s memory.”

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Nicola Maier at Irwin Mitchell on 02380 930 702 or by e-mail at Nicola.maier@irwinmitchell.com

Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April remembers 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.

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