Family And Legal Experts Appeal For Information After Dad Dies Of Mesothelioma

The family of a former electrician are appealing to his ex-workmates for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that killed him. 

Gerald Cook, known as Bruce, died of mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer of the lining of the lung associated to asbestos exposure, often decades previously. 

Family ask lawyers to investigate Bruce's asbestos exposure

Following the 82-year-old’s death, his family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness. 

Bruce’s daughters, Fiona Dawson and Debbie Sheehan, aged 55 and 53 respectively, have now joined with their legal team in appealing to anyone who worked with him to come forward with information. 

Appeal for information on Ipswich and Camberwell companies

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked at Holliday Hall & Co Ltd in Ipswich and H J Cash & Co Ltd in Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London. 

Natalia Rushworth-White is the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Bruce’s loved ones.

Expert Opinion

“Bruce’s death is another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created and how it continues to tear families apart years after exposure has taken place.

“Fiona, Debbie and the rest of their family remain devastated by Bruce’s death which has been made harder by having so many unanswered questions.

“While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re determined to at least help his loved ones secure the answers they deserve.

“If anyone with information about the companies Bruce worked at come forward with information it could prove vital to our investigations and providing his family with some form of closure.” Natalia Rushworth-White

Mesothelioma: Bruce Cook's story

Bruce left school at 14 to train as an electrician. He worked for various companies, often at airfields, then joined H J Cash & Co Ltd in 1963. He spent around two years with the firm. 

In 1970 Bruce joined Holliday Hall & Co Ltd and spent 13 years with the company. 

Both companies have since been dissolved. 

Bruce, who went self-employed until he retired aged 75, told his grandson Oscar Scotney, that during his work he used to mix asbestos into a paste. He would often have to break panels to get to wiring, which he suspected may have contained asbestos. 

Bruce, who grew up in Greatford, Lincolnshire, started experiencing shortness of breath, a cough and chest pains in August 2023. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma that December. 

Fiona and Debbie looked after him daily until September 2024 when Bruce was moved to a hospice. He died on 5 October. 

Family pay tribute to lovely and kind man as they seek information over his asbestos exposure

Debbie said: “When dad started feeling unwell nothing prepared us for what was going to happen. When we were told he had cancer and it was terminal, it was a huge shock. Dad had never smoked and was otherwise healthy. 

“Following his diagnosis our focus was on helping and supporting Dad as much as possible so our family could try and enjoy what time we had left together. 

“Dad was a lovely, kind and generous man. He was honest and hard-working and we all looked up to him for help and guidance, even as adults. Dad went from being an outgoing and independent person for his age to someone who was reliant on others. 

“One of us would be at his all the time looking after him, helping him shower or going shopping for him. It was awful to see how he deteriorated as the cancer took hold. 

“Before his diagnosis we’d not even heard of mesothelioma, but sadly we now know just how awful it is. 

“Our family will never be the same following Dad’s death, but the time is right to at least honour his memory by establishing how he was exposed to asbestos. 

“If any of his ex-workmates could come forward with information it would mean so much to us.” 

How you can help Bruce's family

Anyone with information about the working conditions Bruce faced is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791893 or email Natalia.Rushworth-White@IrwinMitchell.com

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