Dad-Of-Three And Lawyers Seek Information On Working Conditions At Textile Company Following Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A former joiner from Keighley diagnosed with life-limiting asbestos cancer is appealing to his ex-colleagues for help in establishing how he fell ill with the condition set to claim his life.

George Stubley, 80, lives with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, in May 2022, George instructed expert asbestos-related lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could be linked to his work history.

George, of Keighley, is now joining with his legal team in appealing to his former workmates for information on the conditions he faced. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with George at George Hattersley and Sons Limited in Keighley. The mill was known for making looms for the textile industry.

Expert Opinion

“The past ten months have been incredibly difficult for George and his family as they attempt to come to terms with his diagnosis and what their future may hold.

Mesothelioma is a life-limiting condition which often occurs many years after initial exposure and is commonly linked to industrial and construction settings.

Understandably George and his family have questions over how he came to develop such an illness, and while we can’t change what they’re going through, we’re determined to help them obtain the answers they deserve.

We’d therefore be grateful to hear from anyone who recalls working alongside George and can provide information on the conditions they faced. Any detail could be vital in our investigation.

George’s story is also a stark reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by the use of asbestos.”
Oliver Collett, Workplace Illness and Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyer

George began working at George Hattersley and Sons Limited as an apprentice joiner in 1959.  Once qualified, he remained employed by the company until 1968 when he was made redundant.

During his time there, he as based at the Northbrook Works site.  He worked in the joinery department with 14 other employees.

George told his legal team that part of his role was to undertake maintenance tasks throughout the site, which included carrying out work in the boiler house which contained two boilers heavily lagged with a material believed to be asbestos.

He also recalled working with sheets which he was required to cut to size using saws.

George began suffering breathlessness in January 2022.  He underwent tests and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May.

He lives with his wife of 60 years, Sandra, 79.  The couple have three sons, Duncan, Ashley and Howard, and four grandchildren.

George said: “Before my diagnosis, I was relatively fit and healthy and enjoyed spending time with my family.  But now I can’t do as much as I used to which is frustrating and upsetting.

“When the breathlessness started, I just thought I had a bad cold or some sort of virus, so to be told I had mesothelioma was a huge shock.  It wasn’t even a condition I knew anything about.

“Some days I feel better than others, but I’m still struggling to come to terms with what my illness means for my future.

“Sadly I know there is nothing that can be done to change what I’m going through, but I feel like there are questions I need answered about how I was exposed to asbestos and whether more could have been done to prevent it.  I would really appreciate if anyone can help us.”

Anyone with information 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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