Relatives Asks Lawyers To Investigate Dad-Of-Two’s Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former labourer are appealing to his former workmates in Birmingham for information, following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

John William Ernest Hayes, from Birmingham, died after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following the dad-of-two’s death, aged 85, his family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how John developed the illness and if it was linked to his work history.

The family, including wife Pauline Ann Hayes, aged 84 and daughters Lisa Michelle Goldsmith, aged 55 and Carolyn Susan Collis, aged 59, have now joined the legal team to appeal to John’s former workmates to come forward with information on the working conditions he would have faced during his career.

They are looking to trace anyone who worked with John during his 25 years at F. Whitehouse Limited, in Whateley Road, Birmingham, from approximately 1951 to 1977/78.

Expert Opinion

“John’s death has had a big impact on the whole family. Through speaking to them, they believe he may have been exposed to asbestos during his employment with F. Whitehouse Limited.

“We’re determined to support the family as they seek the answers to John’s asbestos exposure and they’re keen to hear from any of his former workmates to progress the investigation further.

“Nothing can bring John back, but the family would be so grateful if anyone with information could come forward.

“John’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created.” Alida Coates - Partner

During his time at F. Whitehouse Limited, John’s role primarily involved undertaking plumbing and repair work.

Prior to his death, John recalled that he was often tasked with removing pipes covered in lagging, roofs from garages and outbuildings as well as re-roofing buildings.

John married his wife, Pauline, in 1961 and the couple had two daughters, Lisa and Carolyn. Originally living in Birmingham, John and Pauline moved to Devon in 2000/2001.

In his spare time, John was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending his spare time with his family and helping out his family whenever he could.

John had been in good health and was the primary carer for his Pauline, until he started to experience symptoms including breathlessness in November 2020. Following tests, John was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2021. He died in November 2021.

Lisa said: “Things haven’t been the same since dad passed away. My mum has lost her life partner and her main care support while Carolyn and I have lost an amazing dad.

“Dad is missed by us all. He didn’t deserve to have his retirement and time with mum cut short by this disease, through no fault of his own.

“Dad didn’t get the time to look into his own asbestos exposure, so we’re keen to do this last service for him in his memory.

“We’d be grateful for any information which would help investigations into our dad’s case. It would be a great comfort to mum to hear from those who worked with dad and we’d really appreciate hearing their recollections.”

Anyone with information that could help Lisa and the family is asked to contact Alida Coates at Irwin Mitchell on: 0121 214 5230, or e-mail: alida.coates@irwinmitchell.com

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