Lawyers And Retired Compositor Living With Mesothelioma Seek Information On Eastbourne-Based Newspaper Publisher

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

John Neale, from Eastbourne, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer usually of the lining of the lung most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

Asbestos-related disease lawyers instructed to investigate

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

The 87-year-old is now joining with his legal team to appeal to any of his former colleagues who may have information on the conditions he faced during his employment.

In particular, they’re seeking details from anyone who worked alongside John at T R Beckett Limited, a newspaper publishing company in Eastbourne which is now dissolved.

Nicola Maier is the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing John.

Expert Opinion

“Understandably John and his family remain devastated by his diagnosis and what it means for the future.

“Through our work, we sadly come across too many people whose lives have been ruined by asbestos, with the impact of the exposure becoming known many years after the initial contact has occurred.

“Mesothelioma is a horrific disease and, while we can’t change what John’s going through, we’re determined to help him establish the answers he deserves.

“If anyone has any detail that could help, it could prove vital to the investigation.” Nicola Maier

Mesothelioma: John Neale's story

John was employed by T R Beckett between 1971 and 1991.  During that time, T R Beckett printed various local newspapers including the Worthing Gazette, the Worthing Herald and the Eastbourne Gazette. The company was commonly known in the area as Gazette & Herald. T R Beckett were based on Langney Road in Eastbourne.

He told his legal team that the company used Linotype machines, a hot metal typesetting system that cast entire lines of metal type rather than individual letters.

Linotype machines were known to contain asbestos, primarily as insulation for the hot crucible that melted lead.  The asbestos was used to protect against heat and prevent overheating.

John began to feel unwell in March 2024 when he noticed he began losing weight and feeling more tired.  Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2025.

John lives with his wife Jane aged 77.

John reveals impact of diagnosis as he seeks answers

He said: “I knew I wasn’t well, but not for one minute did I expect to be told I have mesothelioma.  I don’t think I’ll ever get my head around it, and my family are also devastated by the diagnosis.

“Before I fell ill, I spent my time cycling, gardening and doing crosswords with my wife Jane but I really struggle to do much of anything now.  And to know that my condition will only get worse is awful.

“Sadly, there’s nothing I can do to change what I’m going through, but I want some answers – it’s the least my family and I deserve.

“I would therefore be really gratefully if anyone could help.”

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Nicola Maier on 02380 930702 or by e-mail at Nicola.Maier@irwinmitchell.com