Family Asks Lawyers To Investigate Man’s Mesothelioma Death

The son of a former chemical plant worker from Selby is appealing to his dad’s former workmates for help in determining how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Kenneth Ward, from Selby, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his father’s death, aged 88, son Graham Ward, 56, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his dad’s illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Ahead of this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day on 7 July, Graham has now joined with his legal team to appeal for his dad’s old workmates to come forward with details of the working conditions he may have faced. They are keen to trace anyone who worked at John & E.Sturge Limited in Selby (no longer trading), between 1961 and 1990.

Expert Opinion

“Kenneth’s diagnosis and death from mesothelioma has left his family shocked. What happened to Kenneth is another reminder of the devastating families continue to face because of asbestos.

“Kenneth’s death has led to a dramatic change to the lives of his loved ones.

“Nothing can bring Kenneth back but we’re determined to support Graham and establish the answers he deserves regarding his dad’s illness.

“If anyone with information on the company could come forward, it would mean a lot to the family and supply some much needed closure following what has been a difficult and challenging time.” Lucy Andrews - Associate Solicitor

Kenneth went to work for John & E.Sturge Limited in 1961 and for the next 29 years was employed by the firm as a chemical process operator. Prior to his death, Kenneth told Graham that he believed asbestos may have been present throughout the chemical plant, including in the roof, on the machinery and lagged pipework which ran throughout the building.

Kenneth married wife Marlene, 87 on 29 December 1962 and the couple had one son, Graham. The family still live in Selby.

Kenneth was a devoted husband and family man.

In his spare time, Kenneth loved gardening and had his own allotment. He was a keen follower of horse racing and he and Marlene also enjoyed worldwide cruising.

Kenneth began to feel ill with symptoms in April 20221 and following a visit to his GP, was sent to the hospital for further tests. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2021 and died in May, 2021.

Graham said: “Despite dad’s age, he’d been in good health, so his diagnosis and death came as a real shock. It left mum and I devastated and two years on, we’re still coming to terms with his passing and the reality of what that means for our family.

“Dad loved to keep busy and it’s hard to accept that asbestos disease has taken him away from us.

“Dad talked of finding out how he was exposed to asbestos, but there wasn’t time at the end. It now feels right to look for some of the answers he wanted in his memory and for mum’s peace of mind too.

“I know he worked for years at John & E. Sturge so it would mean a lot to hear the recollections of his former colleagues. Any details could really help us. We know nothing can bring dad back but at least we’d have answers. The whole family miss him more than we can say.”

Anyone with information that could help Graham and Marlene is asked to contact Lucy Andrews at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6782 or email lucyandrews@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