Former Joiner And Grandfather-Of-Six Died From Mesothelioma

A Leeds hospice has been given a £24,000 funding boost after lawyers recovered costs related to the care it provided to a grandfather-of-six before his death from asbestos cancer.

Barrie Hunter died aged 77 from mesothelioma, a cancer usually of the lining of the lungs associated with being exposed to asbestos, often decades previously.

Prior to his death, Barrie, from Leeds, had instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his exposure and illness, was linked to his work history.  After he died, his loved ones including wife Shirley, 71 and daughter Kelly, 43, continued his case.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers secure undisclosed settlement

The family’s legal team went on to secure an undisclosed settlement from one of the former joiner’s ex-employers.

In addition, a previous landmark judgment secured by Irwin Mitchell also meant that costs of £24,023 relating to the care that Barrie received from St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds could be recovered.

Oliver Collett is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supported Barrie’s family.

Expert Opinion

“Hospices provide vital care and support to patients and their families at the most difficult times. We’re therefore delighted to have been able to help Barrie’s loved ones say thank you to St Gemma’s for looking after Barrie in his final days.

“The funding will ensure that the staff there can continue to carry out their fantastic work for future patients.

“We also hope that the settlement will bring some closure to Shirley, Kelly and the rest of Barrie’s family after what has been an incredibly distressing period.

“Meanwhile, it’s also important to note that Barrie’s case is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos, which affects not only those working in heavy industry. Its use was much more widespread and despite asbestos being banned in the UK 25 years ago it continues to tear families apart." Oliver Collett

Mesothelioma and hospice costs recovery: Barrie Hunter's story

Barrie had told his legal team that he could recall working on the construction of a primary school in the Middleton area of Leeds.  Here, he said he was involved in cladding a lightweight steel girder frame which he believed used asbestos sheeting for fire prevention purposes.

Schools and education settings continue to make up a large percentage of public buildings that still contain asbestos, according to research carried out by Irwin Mitchell in 2023.

In March 2021, Barrie began to suffer from lung problems including breathing difficulties.  Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2022.

Barrie was determined to spend that Christmas with his family. However, his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to St Gemma’s on New Year’s Day 2023.  He died at the end of January.

Barrie had been married to Shirley for 32 years.  Kelly was the couple’s only daughter together, and Barrie had a son Craig from a previous relationship.  Barrie was grandfather to Kelly’s four children and Craig’s daughter and stepdaughter.

Widow pays tribute to 'beloved husband'

Shirley said: “Barrie’s diagnosis came as a huge shock to all of us as he’d always been in good health.

“Somehow, as a family, we managed to get to Christmas that year, but his condition worsened so quickly.  Losing my beloved husband so soon afterwards was heartbreaking.

“There’s not a day goes by where I don’t think of him and what we would have been up to together; I’m determined to keep all our good memories alive.

“I’d give anything to have Barrie back, but I know that’s not possible.  But I’m brought some comfort by the fact that we were able to fulfil his last wishes in saying thank you to the hospice, where the staff do an amazing job caring for everyone.

“It’s also important for us to share Barrie’s story to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and how employers need to keep their workers safe.”

Hospice says thank you to family

Stewart Graham, Head of Fundraising at St Gemma’s Hospice said: “We’re a local, independent charity dedicated to providing expert, compassionate palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

“We’re continuously raising funds to bring the best service to our patients, and with the generosity of families like Barrie’s, we’re able to do that.  We’re very grateful to them for thinking of us during such a difficult time for them.”

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by asbestos exposure at our dedicated asbestos-related disease section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100. 

Action Mesothelioma Day is on 4 July.  It’s a national event held annually to raise awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma. Find out more at Mesothelioma UK