Loved Ones Ask Lawyers To Investigate After Former Clerk Of Works Dies From Mesothelioma

A widow has asked lawyers to investigate her husband’s asbestos-related cancer death amid claims he may be among at least six former University of London workers diagnosed with the disease.

John Brown, from Ruislip, London, died from mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer, usually of the lining of the lungs. It is usually associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Family instructs asbestos-related disease lawyers

Following the 75-year-old’s death, John’s loved ones instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his illness could be linked to his work at the University of London.

They’ve told their legal team that they’ve heard of at least five of John’s former colleagues are either living with or have died from asbestos-related disease.

John’s daughter Clare Brown is now joining with the legal team to appeal for her dad’s former workmates to come forward with information on the conditions he faced.

Paul Ramsay is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing John’s family.

Expert Opinion

“John’s death is yet another terrible reminder of the legacy left behind by asbestos. Understandably, his loved ones are struggling to come to terms with losing him to such a horrific disease.

“What’s particularly worrying is the family’s first-hand account that a number of John’s old workmates may also have died from or be living with mesothelioma. We’re now investigating those concerns further.

“What we do know is that use of asbestos was much more widespread than some people may realise. It was often used in public buildings including schools, hospitals, universities and office blocks.

“While nothing can change what’s happened, John’s family are desperate to establish exactly how he was exposed to the substance that claimed his life. We’re determined to help them obtain these answers.

“If anyone who worked with John could come forward, it could prove vital to the investigation.” Paul Ramsay

Mesothelioma: John Brown's story 

John was employed by the University of London from 1978/79 to 2009/10.  His role was a senior clerk of works which entailed managing refurbishment and construction projects.

One of his colleagues recalled that he and John covered most of the site during their time.  John also looked after the Students Union, Canterbury Building, Commonwealth Building, Hugh-Parry Student Halls, Senate House, and other buildings on the campus which were old buildings that required updating.

As part this process, John moved tiles to access ceiling space, and pipes believed to be insulated with asbestos often ran through the ceiling void. The tiles would sometimes crack and dust, thought to contain asbestos fibres, would be released.

John and his colleagues were also required to open service ducts for inspection. These were insulated and the access panels occasionally broke, again releasing dust.

They also had to supervise the stripping and replacement of floor tiles and fire doors, as well as the servicing of boilers, all of which were again believed to contain asbestos.

University of London confirms asbestos being removed from several areas

In 2003, correspondence from the University of London to workshop employees confirmed that asbestos was being removed from several areas.

Over the next two decades, a number of John’s colleagues went on to develop asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma.

John began to feel unwell in November 2023 with pain in his shoulder, and had also lost strength in his knees and hips.  He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2024 and died in July 2024 aged 75.

John leaves behind his wife, Janet Brown, daughter Clare, 44, and son Christopher, 46.

Daughter pays tribute to the 'most loving and gentle' dad

Clare said: “It’s less than a year since we lost dad and it still feels very raw.  He was the most loving and gentle person and we miss him every single day.

“When he began to feel unwell, we maybe thought it was some sort of chest cold or infection, but his condition worsened very quickly.  He was always generally active, so when he started struggling with walking, travelling and spending time with family, we suspected it was something else.  However, nothing prepared us to hear that it was mesothelioma as it was something we weren’t familiar with.

“Shockingly, we’ve gone on to hear that some of dad’s former colleagues at the University of London are believed to be also living with or passed away from asbestos related diseases. While nothing will bring dad back, we want to get him the answers he deserved so we can honour his memory.

“We would therefore really appreciate it if anyone with information could help us.”

Contact us

Anyone with detail that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Paul Ramsay at Irwin Mitchell 0203 0403489 or by e-mail at paul.ramsay@irwinmitchell.co.uk

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.