Did working at famous comic book printing press DC Thomson lead to Salford great-grandad’s asbestos-related cancer?

A former labourer has asked lawyers to investigate whether his work at DC Thomson & Co Limited in Salford led to his asbestos-related cancer diagnosis years later.

Edward Cannon, known as Ted, of Ardwick, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer usually of the lining of the lung. Mesothelioma is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

The dad-of-six, grandad-of-16 and great-grandad-of-11 is now searching for answers. He has instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and where he was exposed to asbestos.

The 78-year-old and his family are keen to hear from anyone who worked at the DC Thomson & Co Limited warehouse on Chapel Street in Salford during the 1970s and 1980s. DC Thomson & Co ran a famous printing press known for publishing ‘The Beano’ and ‘The Dandy’ comic books as well as ‘Jackie’ magazine.

Helen Tomlin, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer representing Ted, said: 

“Ted and his family are still coming to terms with his diagnosis and what this means for the future.

 

“While nothing can undo what’s happened, we’re determined to help them uncover the facts surrounding Ted’s asbestos exposure and provide them with the answers they deserve.

 

“Asbestos continues to pose a real risk across the UK. Ted’s case is yet another stark reminder of its devastating legacy, with the effects often only becoming apparent many years after exposure is believed to have taken place.

 

“If any of Ted’s former colleagues are able to come forward with information, it could make a vital difference to the family.”

Ted worked for DC Thomson & Co Limited between 1970 and 1988. He recalls working in the dispatch area of the warehouse next to the large printing presses, where he would break down stacks of comic books into bundles for delivery, wrapping them in paper ready to be loaded onto lorries.

Ted remembers that the printing presses regularly broke down. He suspects that maintenance carried out on the presses released asbestos fibres into the factory air, which Ted would have breathed in.

The warehouse also contained pipes lagged with material which may have contained asbestos, which could have released dust and fibres during maintenance work, Ted said.

Ted’s health began to decline in July 2025, with symptoms including breathlessness.

In September 2025, while on holiday in his caravan in Wales with his wife, Doreen Cannon, 75, Ted collapsed and was taken to hospital.

Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 28 November.

Ted is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment – a type of cancer treatment that uses the immune system to fight the disease.

Ted has been married to Doreen for 57 years, with whom he had six children, Anthony Cannon, 56, Deborah Cannon, 54, Terry Cannon, 50, Edward Cannon, 45, Katie Cannon, 40, and Charlotte Cannon, 38. Over the years, the family grew to include 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Ted said: 

“Hearing I had cancer was a shock – not just for me, but for my whole family. I knew I wasn’t feeling quite like myself, but I put it down to getting older.

 

“I have no illusions that living with mesothelioma will be easy, but I’m determined to stay strong for my family. I feel incredibly blessed to have this time with them, and I know that others haven’t been so fortunate.

 

“It’s upsetting to know I won’t be able to enjoy the things I once did in the same way. Doreen and I used to love getting away in our caravan in Wales and going for walks in the local area, but I now struggle to walk any distance.

 

“If anyone who worked at the old printing press can come forward, my family and I would be extremely grateful. Your memories could be the key to helping us get the answers we need.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Helen Tomlin at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 259 1674 or email helen.tomlin@irwinmitchell.com