North East Man Has Instructed Specialist Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell As He Battles For Justice

A father-of-two, who has recently been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, is appealing to his ex-colleagues from Vaux Breweries in Sunderland for help after instructing specialist industrial illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell.

Barry Fitzgerald, 72 who lives in Newcastle, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September this year. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos with symptoms often taking decades to appear after exposure.

Following his diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him determine how he came to develop the illness and whether anything could have been done to prevent it from happening.

Now, as part of their ongoing work, the legal experts are interested in hearing from anyone who worked at Vaux Breweries in Sunderland, where Barry was from originally. During a summer break from university in 1964, Barry worked at the brewery and his legal team believe this is where he may have been exposed to asbestos.

Roger Maddocks, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Barry, said: 

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“Almost two months on from his diagnosis, Barry remains understandably devastated at the news that he has developed mesothelioma and is keen to know how he developed the illness.

“After reviewing his work history we strongly believe he may well have been exposed to asbestos during his time working at the brewery located in Sunderland. With this in mind, we would be keen to find out more about the use of the material at the site during 1964.

“This is another awful case which has demonstrated the terrible legacy that asbestos has had on so many lives and we are determined to help Barry get the justice he deserves.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

Barry first began to notice his symptoms just a month before his diagnosis in August, a day before his daughter Andrea’s birthday. While playing golf he found himself, unusually, short of breath, a symptom of mesothelioma.
After undergoing a biopsy at Freeman Hospital, Barry was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 26 September.

Regarding his exposure to the harmful substance, Barry has recalled to his legal team that during his time at the brewery there was extensive pipework, which he believes was lagged in asbestos. This was common practice at the time.

Barry, who has been married to his wife Pam, 68, for 44 years, said: “It has been difficult coming to terms with my diagnosis.

“I have always been active. I like to golf at least twice a week and have always done the DIY and gardening around the house. But as my symptoms get worse, I find doing these tasks more difficult.

“I would be hugely grateful if anyone who can shine a light on the presence of asbestos at the Vaux Breweries site in Sunderland would be able to come forward and help with the legal claim. Any information could make all of the difference.”

Anyone with information on the presence of asbestos at Vaux Breweries in Sunderland are urged to contact Michael McGowan on 0191 4340704 or email Michael.McGowan@IrwinMitchell.com. 

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