Widow And Lawyers Investigate After Father-Of-Two Dies Of Mesothelioma

The family of a former factory worker are appealing to his former workmates for help in establishing how he came into contact with the asbestos that claimed his life.

Dennis Spruce, from Welwyn in Hertfordshire was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following Dennis’ death aged 75, his widow, Joan Spruce, 76, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her husband’s illness and if it was linked to his work history.

Joan and her children, Paul and Robert have joined with the legal team to appeal for any of Dennis’ old workmates to come forward with details of the working conditions he would have faced.

They are looking to trace anyone who remembers Dennis from his time at The Micanite & Insulators Co Ltd factory based at the Empire Works in Walthamstow from 1965 until 1969.

Expert Opinion

“Dennis’ family are still struggling to come to terms with his death and how he could have been exposed to asbestos.

“The initial shock at the loss of Dennis has now moved to questions on how he encountered asbestos and a determination to find the answers.

“Nothing can bring Dennis back or change what the family are going through, however, we’re determined to help them find the answers they are looking for.

“If anyone who worked with Dennis could come forward with their recollections, it would mean a lot to Joan and the family. Any details could prove vital in giving the family the answers and the closure they deserve.” Paul Ramsay, Scottish Qualified Solicitor

A resident of Welwyn, Dennis was employed by The Micanite & Insulators Co Ltd from 1965 until 1969 as an electrical worker, and then an apprentice process chaser at the firm’s Walthamstow plant, Dennis’ wife understands that he spent a lot of his time working with asbestos materials.

Dennis and Joan married in 1967 and had Paul and Robert. Dennis and Joan had 2 grandchildren.

Dennis was a keen Bridge player and was a member of a local club for many years. Dennis and Joan enjoyed taking holidays together and went on multiple cruises around the world.

Dennis was previously on the local Parish Council and was involved in several refurbishment projects in his area, including the local Scout Hut.

Dennis was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 2 December 2022 following several biopsies at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He sadly passed away shortly afterwards on 22 January 2023.

Dennis’ wife Joan said: “Dennis’ mesothelioma diagnosis came as a complete shock to all of us. He’s always been so fit and well, that a cancer diagnosis was the last thing we expected.

“Even now, it’s hard to accept Dennis is gone. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and it’s difficult to come to terms with the fact that all I have left of him are memories.

“Our time at the end was precious and we didn’t focus on his work history but when the doctors asked if he had ever encountered asbestos, he did say it was in regular use at the factory. I’m hopeful that some of his old workmates out there might be able to tell us more.

“Discovering the truth about Dennis’ asbestos exposure is one last thing I can do for a wonderful husband and father, who did not deserve to have his final years marred by this terrible disease. If anyone with information could come forward, I would be so grateful and it would mean a lot to hear what they have to say.”

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Paul Ramsay at Irwin Mitchell on 0203 0403 489, or at paul.ramsay@irwinmitchell.com

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