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The daughters of an ex-machine operator from Sheffield have made an emotional appeal to their dad’s former workmates for help following his death from asbestos-cancer.

John Taylor, aged 80, died in September 2022 from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, John, from Netheredge in Sheffield, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Following their dad’s death, twin daughters Aisha (formally Angela) Taylor and Laura Taylor, both aged 51, are continuing their dad’s search for answers in his memory.

Ahead of this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day, John’s daughters are appealing for any of their dad’s old workmates to come forward with details of the working conditions he would have faced.

They are keen to trace anyone who worked with John at Laycock Engineering, from 1965-69; Edgar Allan Steels from 1969-70 and James Neil & Co (Services) Ltd from 1970 to 1991.

Expert Opinion

“The last few months have been incredibly difficult for John’s family as they struggle to come to terms with his death.

“The use of asbestos in industrial settings was widespread, and John’s illness and death is another stark reminder of the terrible legacy the hazardous material has left behind.

“With so many questions concerning John’s asbestos exposure, we’re appealing to his former workmates or anyone else who worked at Laycock Engineering; Edgar Allan Steels or James Neil & Co to come forward with their recollections. Any detail could prove vital to our ongoing investigation.”

“We’re committed to supporting Aisha and Laura and providing them and the family with the answers they need to help them cope with their loss and endeavour to move forward with their lives.” Simon Webb - Associate Solicitor

Born in Sheffield in March 1942, John became a machine operator on leaving school and worked for a number of firms, including on Laycock Engineering based on Archer Road, Sheffield and Edgar Allan Steels based at Tinsley. He then worked at James Neil and Co, based on Napier Street from 1970 to 1991.

Given the time between his diagnosis and death, John did not have a lot of time to pass on details of his working life. However, he told his family how he remembered the machines at Laycocks he worked on had what he believed were asbestos brake pads and at James Neil and Co he worked on hardening hacksaw blade a process which he believed may have brought him into contact with asbestos.

John was married to Mariea. The couple had two children, Angela and Laura and seven Grandchildren.

Away from work John enjoyed DIY and making picture frames. He loved his holidays which were always taken with the family all together.

John had been in good health for his age until he began to experience symptoms of breathlessness in the spring of 2022. Having visited his GP, and following further tests was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2022.

John died in the Macmillan Palliative care unit at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield on 30 September, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Aisha said: “More than six months on and it’s still so hard to accept that our dad is really gone. He’d always been in such good health and the cancer diagnosis came as a real surprise to him and the rest of the family.

“It was shocking how fast the disease progressed and just a few months after the doctors give us his diagnosis, he was gone. Dad was a good man and didn’t deserve to have his final years with his family cut short by this terrible disease.

“Despite the pain he was in, he was determined he would find the answers about his asbestos exposure, but it wasn’t to be. The least we can do now is finish the job in dad’s memory.

“We know some things about dad’s work history, but anyone could come forward with more details, that would be a big help to us.”

Anyone with information that could help Aisha and Laura is asked to contact Simon Webb on 01142 744277 or by e-mail at simon.webb@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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