Family Join Lawyers In Appeal For Former Colleagues To Come Forward

The family of a former builder and decorator who died three years ago from the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma has instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them discover how he was exposed to the deadly material.

Henry Jarvis, from Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex. died of cancer of the lining of the lung aged 73 in September 2013, around 12 months after first developing shortness of breath.

His family have now instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s London office to investigate how he came to suffer the illness and, as part of their work, they are seeking information from anyone who knew Henry during his working life.

While they are keen to hear from anyone who worked him across a range of roles, they particularly believe he may have been exposed to asbestos during his time as a fibrous plasterer at Clarke & Fenn in London between 1954 and 1966 and as a foreman for Moss Son & Co in Holland on Sea from 1972 to 1975.

Helen England, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Henry’s family, said: “This is another terrible case which highlights the impact that asbestos-related disease has on sufferers, with Henry’s condition deteriorating very quickly following his initial symptoms.

“Several years on from his death, his family remain devastated by their loss and are keen to know just how he came to be exposed to asbestos.

“While we believe he may have been exposed during time at two specific employers, we would be keen to hear from anyone who worked with him across his roles in London, Essex and Devon. Any information could prove vital in helping his loved ones get the answers they deserve.”

Henry, also known to friends as Dumbo, started work with Clark & Fenn after leaving school at 17 and undertook an apprenticeship as a fibrous plasterer before going on to be a charge hand and foreman. After leaving the company in 1966, he moved to Paignton in Devon where he worked for Standard Telephone and Cable Company and as a train driver at Paignton Zoo.

After moving back to Clacton-on-Sea, he worked at Moss Son & Co in Holland on Sea for a short time before becoming a self-employed builder and decorator for 15 years. 

He then joined a family business in which he assisted with the construction and refurbishment of cottages in the local area.

His widow Christine said: “Henry was a real family man and absolutely adored his children and grandchildren. He was always very healthy and I remember him running around the garden with the grandchildren just months before he became ill. 

“It was devastating to see how mesothelioma affected him and we miss him every day. While nothing can change what has happened, we hope that we can still get some answers regarding how he was exposed to asbestos. Any information would be a huge help.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Helen England at Irwin Mitchell’s London office on 0207 421 3856 or email helen.england@irwinmitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Asbestos and Mesothelioma claims