Appeal Launched In Battle For Justice

The partner of a Nottingham Power Station worker, who died from an incurable form of cancer, is appealing for his former work colleagues to get in touch to help them in their battle for justice.

59 year old Derek Billingham died on 1st August 2008 from mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related disease.

It is believed that Mr Billingham may have been exposed to asbestos whilst working at Cottam Power Station near Retford in Nottinghamshire.

Derek was employed by Birmingham based Lloyds British Testing Co Ltd who contracted him to work at Cottam during the late 1960s. During the construction of power stations, asbestos was commonly used as an insulating material for pipes. With the steam and heat inside the power station, the asbestos would become airborne and workers’ regularly breathed in the deadly dust.

Derek leaves behind his partner, Edna Hill, and family including two daughters, a son, and five grandchildren. Edna has vowed to continue the legal battle for justice which Derek himself began prior to his death.

The Coroner for the Black Country, Mr Robin Balmain, held an Inquest on 4th March 2009 where he recorded that Mr Billingham’s death was as a result of industrial disease.

Edna commented: “The news of Derek’s diagnosis was a great shock to him. He was sent to work at Cottam Power Station by one of his former employers. He found it hard to accept that his work had led to the illness which was going to end his life.

“Derek suffered greatly during the last weeks of his life and it was very sad for his children that he did not make it to his 60th birthday.”

Hayley Hill, a workplace illness expert with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors who is representing Mr Billingham’s family, commented: “We are appealing for anyone who worked at Cottam Power Station who has knowledge of the presence of asbestos at the Power Station to come forward to provide us with information which would greatly assist the claim on behalf of Mr Billingham’s family.

“Mesothelioma is a terribly cruel illness and takes workers from their families many years before their time. I know that Derek’s illness had a huge impact on him and that he was determined to pursue his case against former employers.

“Any information from people who have knowledge of the presence of asbestos, and the practices and procedures at Cottam Power Station, would be a great assistance in helping us to obtain some justice for his family.”

Anyone able to help in this matter can contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email hayley.hill@irwinmitchell.com