London Father-Of-Six Died Just Weeks After He Was Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

The family of a former roofer and maintenance worker is appealing to his former colleagues for help following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Stanley Mellowship, from Tottenham, London, died in March just weeks after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, and terminal, form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, often decades before victims begin to suffer with symptoms. According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) more than 2,500 people in the UK lose their lives to the disease every year.

The 95-year-old’s family, including daughter Rita Eshmade, have instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers from Irwin Mitchell to investigate how Stanley was exposed to the hazardous mineral during his working life.

Stanley, a father-of-six, had complained of stomach pain and breathlessness for several months before was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February. He died on 31 March this year.

He worked at E Parkinson (London) as a roofer in the 1950s alongside his brother George, who also died from mesothelioma, carrying and unloading asbestos roof sheets. It is thought that the pair would often holds sheets while mechanics drilled through them, sweeping up asbestos dust and debris.

Between 1960 and 1974 Stanley worked as a lorry driver for Charrington and Co Brewery in Mile End, delivering beer to pubs across the country.

Stanley was also a maintenance man at the British Oxygen Company factory in Tottenham from 1975 to 1983. His role saw him clean and fix machines such as soda syphons and cream makers as well as fixing the roof and maintaining boilers.

Stanley’s son, Steve, also worked at the factory, which had a leaking roof, and recalled how the building was very dusty and how his dad had to fix cables coming from furnaces and steam pipes. Steve said his dad had to tear insulation off the steam pipes in order to fix them.

Ian Bailey, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell is representing the family.

Expert Opinion

Through our work representing the sufferers of asbestos-related disease we are well aware of the common use of asbestos in a large number of workplaces and that many employees have been exposed to the hazardous substance during their working life, decades ago.

“Unfortunately Stanley’s health deteriorated rapidly following his diagnosis and he was therefore unable to tell us much about his working life, but his family have told us how he was well liked and worked at a variety of locations across London.

“We would like to hear from Stanley’s former work colleagues, who may be able to provide the crucial information which may help his family in their quest for answers.

“Anyone who has information on the working conditions he was exposed to should contact us as soon as possible.

“We are very much hoping to give Rita and her family the answers they deserve.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Stanley’s daughter Rita said: “Dad was a real family man who loved spending time with his children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Although he was in his 90s when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he had previously been very fit and healthy and enjoyed walking in Clacton, playing boules and playing cards.

“To witness Dad go from a fit and healthy man who loved life to a shadow of himself in just a few weeks was heartbreaking. Mesothelioma is a horrible disease and we are still trying to come terms with Dad’s passing.

“We would be so grateful if any of Dad’s former colleagues came forward to help answer our questions as to how he was exposed to asbestos.”

Anyone with information regarding the working conditions at E Parkinson, Charrington and Co or British Oxygen Company should contact Ian Bailey on 0207 421 4754 or email ian.bailey@irwinmitchell.com

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