Mesothelioma Diagnosis Prompts Appeal On Working Conditions At Bradford-Based Southern & Redfern

A former electrician and mechanical engineer from Halifax is appealing to his old colleagues for help after being diagnosed with asbestos cancer.

Warren Parker, 71, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June. A cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, Warren, of Manor Heath, Halifax instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and how we was exposed to hazardous asbestos.

Warren has now joined with his legal team in appealing for information from his former colleagues in respect of the conditions he worked under.

They are particularly keen to trace anyone who worked with Warren at Southern & Redfern Limited in Woodhead Road, Listerhills, Bradford. Warren worked there from 1967 until 2011.

Expert Opinion

“As a fit and active man, Warren’s cancer diagnosis came as a real shock to him and his wife. From enjoying their retirement his diagnosis has caused a great deal of upset and uncertainty for the future.

“With the support of his wife Glenis, Warren is keen to find out all he can concerning his asbestos exposure and we’re determined to support the couple as they embark on their quest for answers as they consider the treatment options available.

“If anyone who remembers Warren from his time at Southern & Redfern, or if anyone who has information about working conditions at the firm could come forward it would mean a lot to Warren. It could play a key part in providing Warren and his family with the answers they deserve.” Oliver Collett, Workplace Illness and Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyer

Born in 1951, Warren left school aged 15 to start an apprenticeship as an electrical and mechanical engineer at Southern & Redfern Limited in 1967. The company was based at Woodhead Road, Bradford and, undertook big contracts around the region for electrical installations, repairs and maintenance.

Warren completed his apprenticeship aged 21 and served the firm as a qualified engineer until he was promoted to chargehand in the 1980’s. In a long and successful career with the firm lasting over 40 years, he was promoted to foreman and assistant manager.

Based in the firm’s electrical motor repair workshop, Warren fears he was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.

During his apprenticeship, Warren recalled stripping and dismantling electrical switchgear, in which asbestos was used as a flash barrier between electrical components.

Warren also recalled Metal girders in the basement store were covered in lagging in a poor state of repair.

One particularly big repair job involved a batch of motors from the British Belting & Asbestos factory in Cleckheaton.

Warren has been married to wife Glenis for 37 years and the couple continue to live in Halifax.

Following his retirement, Warren was able to devote more time to his hobbies and remains a keen golfer.

Warren started to feel unwell with breathlessness in November 2021. Following a visit to his GP and further investigations, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2022.

Warren said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is impossible to imagine and even a few months later, it still doesn’t feel real. It’s something you hear about that happens to other people.

“Without the support of Glenis and the family, I don’t know where I would have been but at least now we have the chance to consider what the future may hold for us.

“Southern was a family owned business originally, but I know it changed hands a few times. If any of the old lads who worked there could get in contact, it would mean a lot. It will help me answer some of my questions and help us get to the truth of what happened.”

Anyone with details that could assist with this case is asked to contact Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6784 or by e-mail at oliver.collett@irwinmitchell.com

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