Information Sought On Beck & Pollitzer Engineering Workers from the Mid 1960s to the 1990s

The family of a former Erdington factory worker are appealing for help to establish how he contracted the asbestos-related cancer which claimed his life.

David John Peglar (known as Dave), who grew up in Erdington, Birmingham, died only months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

In light of the 74 year old’s death, his partner, Mary Doyle, aged 82, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how Dave developed the illness.

Ahead of this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 7 July, Mary has now joined the legal team in appealing for anyone who worked with Dave to come forward and provide information on whether he may have been exposed to asbestos during his working life.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Dave in the factory trade in the Erdington area in the 1960s to 1990s for the company Beck & Pollitzer Engineering Limited; Ravgill Talzer Installations Limited and Becks Industrial Contracts Limited.

Expert Opinion

“This is sadly another case which puts the spotlight on the devastating impact of asbestos exposure, with the true consequences only becoming clear years after contact has taken place.

“Through our initial investigations, we are led to believe that Dave was possibly exposed to asbestos working for companies as a heavy machine fitter, installing and removing heavy equipment in factories in the West Midlands”.

“In Dave’s case, we now require more information to progress the investigation further and we are determined to support Mary as she seeks the answers to Dave’s asbestos exposure in his memory. Mary would be so grateful if anyone with information that could help could come forward. Any detail, no matter how small could prove vital in ensuring Mary gets the answers she deserves as she comes to terms with the loss of her partner.” Iain Shoolbred, Senior Associate Solicitor

Dave was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2020 and sadly died on 7 January 2021.  Dave began showing symptoms of shortness of breath in March 2020 and through a CT guided biopsy it was confirmed he had mesothelioma in June 2020.

Outside of work before the developing symptoms, Dave loved gardening, going to concerts with Mary and watching his grandson boxing.

Speaking about her partner and the appeal, Mary Doyle said: “Dave was such a loving and caring partner.  We shared the same love of music and did everything together.  I will miss David forever.  He has left a big void in my life which is very hard to come to terms with.   Despite the time that has passed, I’m not sure I can ever fully get over losing David and just how much I still miss seeing him and hearing his voice.  I wish he was still here.

“Dave was a kind and hardworking man and didn’t deserve to have his retirement and our lives together cut short by this disease or to have to suffer at the end, through no fault of his own.

“It’s not been easy but I feel I owe it to Dave to find out how he came to be exposed to asbestos and get the answers he now can never seek to find for himself.

“I believe Dave did encounter asbestos in his career but if any of his workmates could come forward and help us, I would be so grateful”.

Anyone with information which could help Mary is asked to contact Iain Shoolbred at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office on 0121 214 5446 or email iain.shoolbred@IrwinMitchell.com

Held every year, Action Mesothelioma Day brings together victims of the disease, those who have loved ones affected, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand mesothelioma and find a cure. The day aims to ensure the public are also aware of the terrible impact mesothelioma can have on sufferers and their carers.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases