Gateshead Man And Legal Experts Launch Appeal For Information

A joiner from Gateshead who was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer last year has joined with lawyers to appeal for his former workmates to come forward and help him gain justice regarding the illness.

The plea for information comes on Action Mesothelioma Day today, a day to raise awareness of the disease and to remember those affected by the disease.

Barry Drinkeld, 58, was told he had developed mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos dust, in November 2016 after seeking medical advice for symptoms including a reoccurring cough and substantial pain on the left side of his lower rib.

Following the diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him gain vital funds to support his care and also answers regarding whether more could have been done to prevent his contact with the material.

The legal experts strongly believe Barry will have been exposed to asbestos during his time working for Gateshead Council between 1979 to present. As they prepare to launch legal action in relation to his case, they are keen to hear from anyone who has worked with him down the years regarding the work conditions he has faced.

Expert Opinion

“This is yet another tragic case in which a person has developed asbestos-related illness many years after they were most likely initially exposed to the material.

“We are determined to help Barry get both financial support and answers regarding his illness and, as part of our work, would be keen to hear from anyone who he has worked with during his time at the council.

“Information on the working conditions he has faced could prove absolutely vital in our efforts to ensure that he and his family get the justice they deserve.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

Looking back on his time with Gateshead Council, Barry revealed how there were a host of situations when he may have come into contact with asbestos.

He outlined: “During my initial time with the council I was involved in maintenance work on 1930s housing on the ‘Racecourse’ estate, so called as the roads were named after racecourses.

“I also spent time working in a team to replace asbestos guttering, drainpipes and soil pipes at homes, as well as to remove asbestos vinyl tiles and fireplaces too. In addition, some work at schools would involve removing asbestos panels and ceiling tiles, while I also had to do some jobs in boiler houses where it was not uncommon for lagging to be removed from pipework.

“Throughout all of this time I was never given protective equipment or advice on the dangers of asbestos, but this changed when maintenance work was outsourced to third-party firms and surveys were undertaken before projects.”

Action Mesothelioma Day aims to bring together victims of the disease, those who have loved ones affected by the disease, healthcare professionals, support groups and those working to understand the disease and find a cure, to ensure the public are aware of the terrible impact it can have on sufferers and their carers.

The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, released this week, state there were 2,542 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposure in 2015, an increase on the 2,515 recorded mesothelioma deaths in 2014.

According to the HSE, the latest projections suggest that there will continue to be around 2,500 deaths per year for the rest of this current decade before annual numbers begin to decline.

Barry added: “Getting this diagnosis has been truly devastating and I just want to know why I was not properly protected from the risks of asbestos. If anyone who worked on similar projects to me could come forward and help we would be so grateful. It could make all of the difference.”

Anyone with details regarding maintenance work at Gateshead Council should contact Sonia Akram at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office on 0191 434 0719 or e-mail Sonia.Akram@IrwinMitchell.com

Read more about the work of Irwin Mitchell's Asbestos Related Disease Team