Appeal For Information Regarding Working Conditions At British Rail

The widow of an ex-rail worker who died two years ago from asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is calling on his former colleagues to help her gain answers regarding how he was exposed to the deadly material decades ago. 

Ronald Clarke, from Colchester, died aged 65 in October 2013, around five months after he was diagnosed with the cancer of the lining of the lung most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos many years before the symptoms develop. 

Following his death, his widow Carolyn, who he was married to for 36 years, has instructed specialist industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material and to help her gain access to vital funds for support. 

As part of their investigations into his illness, the expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are appealing for information from Ronald’s former workmates regarding how he was exposed to asbestos.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with Ronald at British Rail at Harwich Docks between 1976 and 1978, as it is thought he may have come into contact with the harmful dust and fibres during work unloading boats for the company. 

Mary Mulhall, the specialist asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is acting for Ronald’s family, said: “This is another terrible case which highlights the dangers of asbestos and how the consequences of exposure only come to light often decades down the line.

 “After being instructed by his family, we have now commenced investigations into Ronald’s case and as part of our enquiries are keen to hear from anyone who worked with him during his time at British Rail. 

“Any information on the working conditions and the presence of asbestos could prove vital in helping his family secure the financial support they deserve following his death.”

Ronald’s widow Carolyn added: “Around two years on from his death, the entire family still miss Ronald so much. 

“It was devastating to watch how quickly his condition deteriorated after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and now we just want to know how he came to develop the illness in the first place.

 “We would be hugely grateful if anyone with knowledge of working conditions at British Rail in the 1970s could help us try and gain justice regarding his death.”

 Anyone with information regarding this case for should contact Mary Mulhall at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 4707 or e-mail Mary.Mulhall@IrwinMitchell.com.

Our expert mesothelioma lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.