Appeal For Workmates To Come Forward With Vital Information

A retired painter and decorator from Rochdale who was diagnosed with asbestos-related disease two years ago is calling for former colleagues from two of his old jobs to come forward and help him gain answers regarding his illness.

Trevor Shaw, 71, from Littleborough in Rochdale, was diagnosed with asbestos-related pleural thickening and asbestosis in May 2016, after he first started to struggled with symptoms including shortness of breath.

Following his diagnosis, Trevor and his family contacted specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office for help in understanding how the illness first emerged and whether his exposure to asbestos could have been prevented.

Now, as part of their investigations, the legal experts are keen for more information regarding the working conditions that Trevor faced during his time working at Arnold Sharrocks Ltd in Rochdale between 1962 and 1972, as well as the few months he spent employed by M Lords & Sons Decorators Ltd also known as Arthur Lords Decorators between 1967 and 1968.

Dominic Hemsi, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office who is representing Trevor, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This case is sadly like a great many others we are involved in, with people going on to develop very serious illnesses a number of years after asbestos exposure is thought to have occurred.

“As part of our efforts to develop a full picture of Trevor’s working life, we are keen to fully understand the conditions he faced during these roles and would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to provide information which will help us.

“Any detail, no matter how small, could prove fundamental to our efforts to ensure that he gets the answers he deserves regarding his illnesses.” Dominic Hemsi - Partner

Looking back on his time at Arnold Sharrocks Ltd, Trevor recalled undertaking commercial contract work in a range of settings including factories, mills, offices and schools. He also remembers some time on a project at the Turners Asbestos factory in Rochdale. His role at Arthur Lords & Sons Decorators Ltd involved similar work.

Trevor, who has been with his partner Angela Kirkham for 28 years, said: “Throughout my time in these jobs I remember regularly having to clean and sand down asbestos rainwater goods and also often working in close proximity to pipes lagged with the material.

“My family and I are totally devastated by my diagnosis and it has had a huge bearing on my life already. I just feel I deserve answers as to how this happened and whether more should have been done to protect me in the first place.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Dominic Hemsi at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office on 0161 838 3099 or Dominic.Hemsi2@IrwinMitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in asbestos-related disease claims.