Loved Ones and Specialist Lawyers Join Forces To Appeal For Information

The widow of a former quantity surveyor who died from an asbestos-related disease three years ago is calling on his former colleagues as well as past pupils and staff from colleges in Brighton and Barnes, to come forward and help her gain justice regarding his death.

Trevor Robbins, who was born in Lambeth but went on to live in areas across the South East, passed away aged 64 in February 2012 around 18 months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

His widow Sheila, who was married to him for 35 years, has now instructed specialist asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her gain answers regarding how he developed the illness and secure her vital financial support following his death.

She believes he was exposed to asbestos whilst employed by James Longley (Holdings) Limited of Crawley, Sussex from 1965 until 1969, where his working day involved visiting building sites to undertake a range of inspections at a time when the material was widely used by tradesmen.

Prior to his death, he particularly recalled working on both the Brighton Teacher Training College situated in Falmer, Brighton and St Paul’s School in Barnes, where he believes asbestos was used during the construction process.

Helen England, the asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is representing Trevor’s family, said: “This case is tragically similar to many others we see every day, in which people have paid the ultimate price as a result of asbestos exposure which most likely occurred several decades ago.

“We are very keen to hear from anyone who worked with Trevor or recalls work on the Brighton Teacher Training College and St Paul’s School projects he recalled before his death. Past pupils and masters at both sites may also have some knowledge of conditions at the sites.

“Any information could prove absolutely vital in our efforts to understand how Trevor was exposed to asbestos and ultimately help his family secure the answers and financial support they deserve.”

While Trevor was born in Lambeth, he went on to live in Brighton, Ditchling, Lindfield and Cuckfield.

Sheila Robbins said: “Losing Trevor to an illness like mesothelioma was unbearable and even three years on we are still trying to come to terms with his death.

“He did talk a lot about where he could have been exposed and how tradesmen would cut, drill and install the asbestos products into the building and he would be required to inspect the completed work.

“We would be hugely grateful if anyone who knows more about his work and the specific sites he talked about often would be able to get in touch. Any information would be a massive help as we try to understand the issues surrounding his death.”

Anyone with information about Trevor Robbins and his work should contact Helen England at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 3856 or email Helen.england@irwinmitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Mesothelioma and Asbestos Claims.