Appeal for help finding source of asbestos

The family of a man who died from asbestos related cancer is appealing for help from his former workmates and friends in tracking down the source of the disease.

Sidney Salkeld was born in September 1935 and grew up in Newcastle, before moving down to London.

The man from Newcastle moved to London in the 1960s as a joiner. Living on Richmond Road in the Putney area in the 1970s, he had a number of jobs with different companies including Balfour Beatty, Bovis Limited and John Laing.

Sidney returned to the North East a short while before his death from mesothelioma in December 2004.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer directly related to asbestos exposure and can remain dormant in the body for decades. The UKs leading Personal Injury law firm Irwin Mitchell, an expert in asbestos related compensation claims, is handling the investigation on behalf of the Mr Salkelds family.

Sidney's brother John is anxious to contact men who knew or worked with him during his time in London during the 1960s and 70s and who may be able to provide information about the circumstances in which he was exposed to asbestos.

John said: Sidney died a terrible and painful death as result of exposure to asbestos during his employment years ago. I would ask anyone who worked with him, knew him or who knows anything about his work in London or the surrounding areas in the 1960s and onwards to come forward and help.

Irwin Mitchell Partner, Roger Maddocks, who is handling the case said: Sidney was an innocent victim of a terrible disease which could and should have been prevented by his employers. At the time he was exposed to asbestos his employers should have known of the risks and taken proper precautions.

Anyone able to help should contact Roger Maddocks or Catherine Oxnard on 0191 279 0096.

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