Woman Instructs Lawyers To Investigate After Her Husband is Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

The wife of a former labourer diagnosed with terminal asbestos cancer is appealing to his ex-workmates for help in establishing how he was exposed to the hazardous material. 

George Trotter, of Blaydon, Gateshead, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously. 

Lawyers investigate labourer's asbestos exposure

Following his diagnosis, George, aged 80, instructed expert asbestos-disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his exposure was linked to his career. Sadly, not long after his diagnosis, he was also diagnosed with dementia and quickly lost mental capacity.

George’s wife, Deborah Trotter, 53, took on his case on her husband’s behalf. 

Appeal for information on Gateshead steel manufacturer

Deborah and her legal team are now appealing to George’s former workmates to come forward with information about the conditions he faced. They’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked at Gateshead-based steel manufacturer Wright Anderson & Co Ltd. 

George worked at the firm for around eight years, joining as a 15-year-old school leaver in 1958. 

Expert Opinion

“George’s case is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created in the North East with his diagnosis coming many years after his exposure is believed to have happened.

“His diagnosis has come as a huge shock to George and Deborah who understandably have a number of questions about how he came into contact with asbestos.

“With George facing an uncertain future we’re appealing to George’s former workmates or anyone else who worked at Wright Anderson & Co, to come forward with information about the conditions he may have faced.

“While we can’t make up for George’s diagnosis and what the future may hold, we’re determined to at least provide him and his wife with the answers they deserve.” Emma Bell

Mesothelioma: George Trotter's story

George, who married Deborah over 20 years ago, told his legal team at Irwin Mitchell that the factory was split into three parts – parts one, two and three. He was based in part one. George’s job involved sorting steel ready for it to be put on machines to make steel products.

After leaving Wright Anderson & Co in the late 1960s he went to work as a labourer on building sites for many years before retiring. The factory has since been demolished.

George started to suffer symptoms of breathlessness early last year. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2022. Not long after his diagnosis his memory worsened. 

He was admitted into a nursing home in July as a result of his dementia because Deborah was no longer able to care for him at home.

Deborah asks George's former colleague for help following his asbestos-related cancer diagnosis

Deborah said: “George had been struggling for a while with symptoms but still nothing prepared either of us for the news that he had cancer. It came as a real bolt out of the blue and knocked us both for six. 

“George used to try and stay as active as possible but he soon began to struggle because of his condition. 

“During his time at Wright Anderson & Co George remembered that there were a few small furnaces around the factory and that products were picked out of the furnaces by women who used tongs and then caught the products in buckets. He also remembered that there was a lost of dust and fibres flying around. There was so much that he told me he couldn’t help breathing it in.

“The last few months and trying to come to terms with what George’s diagnosis means not only for him but for me too have been the toughest of my life. I’ve so many questions about how George could’ve been exposed to asbestos, and while we can’t turn the clock back I feel the least we both deserve is some answers. 

“I’d be eternally thankful to anyone who came forward with information. It would mean so much to me.”

How you can help

Anyone with information is asked to contact Louisa Shaw at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0737 or email at louisa.shaw@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases at our dedicated asbestos claims section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.