Eighty-Three-Year-Old Living With Mesothelioma Raises Awareness Of Disease And Dangers Of Asbestos

A former engineer from Leicestershire with asbestos related cancer is raising awareness of the disease after lawyers secured him a lump sum settlement and financial support for ongoing treatment.

David Leatherland lives with mesothelioma, a cancer usually of the lining of the lungs associated with being exposed to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, in May 2023, David, from Market Harborough, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his exposure and illness was linked to his work history.

Legal team secures funds for dad to ensure access to ongoing treatment

The 83-year-old’s legal team went on to secure a substantial undisclosed settlement from one of his former employers.  This will ensure he has access to funding ongoing private medical treatment, with David having already undergone immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatment with his NHS team.

Ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day, David is now speaking out on the dangers of asbestos and how vital it is for employers to keep their workers safe.  He also wants to make people aware of the support available.

Simone Hardy is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting David.

Expert Opinion

“The past two years have been tough for David, firstly being diagnosed and then having to undergo various treatments and therapies.

“Mesothelioma is a preventable cancer that arises through asbestos exposure and we see far too many lives destroyed because of it.

“While nothing can change what David’s going through, we hope that the settlement will help him access the best treatment and support.

“David’s case is also another stark reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos and the need for people to be aware of the risks associated with it.” Simone Hardy

Mesothelioma: David Leatherland's story

David worked for a Leicestershire company as a service and commissioning engineer before becoming a sales manager.  He told his legal team that his role took him to industrial sites around the East Midlands and he believed that he was exposed to asbestos during this time.

Around May 2023, he began to feel short of breath and developed a pain in his chest.  He was referred to hospital for a chest x-ray followed by further investigations.  He was diagnosed with mesothelioma shortly afterwards.

David is supported by friends and his sons.  He has undergone five rounds of immunotherapy, followed by chemotherapy, with excellent care from his medical team in Leicester. Now, thanks to the claim he brought against his former employers, he has access to private medical treatment which is administered to him in the comfort of his own home.

David reveals his 'worry' over the future following diagnosis

David said: “When I fell ill, I assumed it was maybe a chest infection, but when the doctors started asking me about my work history, I began to suspect it was more serious.  However, nothing could have prepared me for being told I had mesothelioma.

“To then have to consider that my work in the 1970s could be to blame was another huge blow.

“Since then, my condition has deteriorated and I worry about what the future holds for me.  The only comfort – if that’s even the correct term to use – is that the settlement will allow me to access the best treatment.

“I wish I could change what’s happened but I know I can’t.  All I hope for now is that by sharing my story I can hopefully make people aware of what asbestos can do, and also highlight the support that’s out there.  You don’t need to suffer in silence.”

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