Dad-Of-Six Diagnosed With Lung Cancer And Lawyers Seeking Information On Darlington Railway Plant And Foundry Company Limited

A former railway factory worker is appealing to his former colleagues for help in establishing how he fell ill with asbestos-related cancer.

Glen Henry, from Darlington, was diagnosed with lung cancer believed to be associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Man instructs asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate working conditions

Following his diagnosis, the dad-of-six instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could be linked to his work history.

The 72-year-old has now joined with his legal team to appeal to any of his former colleagues who may have information on the conditions he faced during his employment.

Specifically, they are seeking details from anyone who worked alongside Glen at Darlington Railway Plant and Foundry Company Limited between 1966 and 1972.

Expert Opinion

“Understandably, Glen and his family remain devastated by his diagnosis and what it may mean for the future.

“Through our work, we sadly come across many people whose lives have been ruined by asbestos, the impact of which is often not evident until years after initial contact with the substance.

“While nothing can make up for Glen’s diagnosis which is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created, we’re determined to help him secure the answers he’s looking for regarding his exposure. If any of Glen’s former workmates could come forward with information it could be key to providing him with the answers he deserves.” Ian Toft, Asbestos-Related Disease lawyer

Asbestos lung cancer: Glen's story

Glen began working at the Darlington Railway Plant and Foundry Company Limited in 1966.  He underwent a six-year apprenticeship in the mould shop.

He told his legal team that the mould shop and wider factory was a “dirty and dusty” workplace.  He also recalled working next to two large blast furnaces and regularly saw laggers pouring powder into a large bucket to make a paste. He said it was “dusty work” and he often inhaled the dust, which “went everywhere and looked like fog” as he walked past.

Glen added there were labourers employed to sweep around the factory.  As they dry swept, the dirt and dust would “get into the air” and Glen remembered breathing it in.

Married to Janice, wife of 18 years, the couple have six children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Symptoms of lung cancer and subsequent diagnosis

Glen began to feel unwell in April 2023 with symptoms of breathlessness, cough, loss of appetite and weight loss.  Following tests, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in August.

He is currently having Alectinib treatment and is not as fit and well as he used to be. He is breathless and sometimes unsteady on his feet.

Glen said: “When I was told I had lung cancer, it came as a huge shock.  It’s been a lot for my family to come to terms with too, as I’m not as well as I used to be and it’s only going to get worse.

“Sadly, there’s nothing I can do to change my diagnosis so all I want now are answers.

“The railway factory was a very dirty and dusty place. The dust went everywhere and often it looked like we working in fog as it would get in the air. I would really appreciate it if any of my former workmates could provide any additional detail, as it’s important that I find out where my exposure to asbestos occurred; not just for me, but my family too.”

Plea to former colleagues for help

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Jasmine Heaton at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0797 or by e-mail at jasmine.heaton@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos lung cancer cases