Loved Ones and Lawyers Call On Former Workmates to Come Forward

The family of a former labourer who died of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma in August this year have joined with lawyers to appeal for his ex-colleagues to come forward and help them gain answers about how he developed the illness.

Charles William Forder, from Lowestoft, died, aged 58 on August 24th 2017, eighteen months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to deadly asbestos dust.

After he was given diagnosis at James Paget Hospital in February 2016, the father-of-three instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him gain answers about how he came into contact with asbestos. Following his death, his long term partner Michelle and his three children still want answers.

Now, as part of their investigations, they are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Charles – known as Charlie – at GK Knights (Lowestoft) Ltd between 1974 and 1978, which is when the family believe the exposure happened.

Martyn Hayward, Solicitor and legal asbestos expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office who represents Charles’s family, said: 

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“This is yet another tragic case which highlights the devastating impact that asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has on victims, with Charlie passing away only eighteen months after he was informed he had the illness.

“We are determined to help his family gain answers about how he was exposed to asbestos and whether more could have been done to protect him, so any information regarding working conditions at GK Knights could prove vital in our efforts.” Martyn Hayward - Solicitor

During his time working at GK Knights as a builders’ labourer, Charlie is known to have used a wire brush and sandpaper to rub down asbestos drainpipes, as well as asbestos guttering and soffits.   

Bathrooms also contained asbestos and he may also been exposed when carrying out renovation work in domestic properties in and around the Lowestoft area.  He always maintained he was given no protective equipment or warned about the dangers of asbestos when employed by the company.

His partner Michelle, aged 51, said: “Charlie was a hugely loved partner and father and he is still missed by us all so much every day.  It’s truly devastating to see how mesothelioma affected him in the final months of his life and we are all still trying to come to terms with our loss.

“While nothing can change what has happened, we are desperate to understand how he developed this illness and will also wonder whether more could have been done to protect him. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who can come forward and help us in our efforts.”

Anyone with information regarding GK Knights (Lowestoft) Ltd should contact Martyn Hayward direct on 01223 791830; 0370 1500 100, or email martyn.hayward@irwinmitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in mesothelioma claims.