Industrial Illness Specialists At Law Firm Irwin Mitchell Working With Family in Battle for Justice

The daughter of a former contractor who died of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is appealing for his former work colleagues to help with an investigation into how and why he was exposed to the deadly dust.

Colin Hill, more commonly known as Eddie, from Shotley Bridge, in County Durham, died aged 90 on 5 November 2011 after being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, just six months after he sought medical treatment for a persistent cough and breathlessness.

His daughter Beverley, also from Shotley Bridge, has now instructed asbestos-related disease experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate where and when her father was exposed to asbestos so that she can seek justice on his behalf.

Industrial illness experts, together with Beverley, are now appealing for Eddie’s former work colleagues from several companies he worked at over the years to help piece together his working conditions and find out where and why he was exposed to the deadly asbestos dust.

Eddie, who was originally from Gateshead, worked for a number of companies across Newcastle and the North East from 1935 through to the mid-1980s including:

• 1935 – 1939 and 1946 – 1949 – He was employed as an Apprentice Cabin Maker at J.J. Boyd & Son, Gateshead.
• 1950 – 1962 – D H Allan & Sons Limited of City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. This was a firm of building contractors and he was employed as a shopfitter.
• 1962 – 1976/77 – J T Bell & Sons Limited, now Bellway Homes. Eddie was a foreman on various sites including a building called “Gunner House” which is opposite Newcastle Central Station, the Regent Centre in Gosforth and the library in Newcastle City Centre.
• 1973/74 – 1975 – In between working for J T Bell & Sons Limited, Eddie also worked for Nixon Shopfitters Limited.
• 1977 – 1978/79 – Wilson’s Limited of Spennymoor in County Durham.
• 1979 – John Mclean & Sons Limited, also known as Tarmac.
• 1979 – 1981 – Fairclough Building Limited. Eddie worked for this company as Senior Site Manager.
• 1981 – 1986/87 – J C S – Projects Office Minsteracres Monastery in Consett.

Beverley said: “As a family we have found it very difficult to deal with the death of our dad. Before he was diagnosed with cancer, he was a confident and outgoing 90-year-old, with an infectious sense of humour. His health deteriorated so rapidly and it was heartbreaking to watch him suffer.

“I urge anyone who worked with or knew my dad to come forward with any information so we can move his case forward and receive justice. We want to know how and where he was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and why more wasn’t done to protect him.”

Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to contact either Isobel Lovett or Emma Tordoff at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0104 or email isobel.lovett@irwinmitchell.com or emma.tordoff@irwinmitchell.com.