Appeal Launched For Information Regarding Schools In Blackburn

A Hitchin-based cancer research doctor who was stunned last year to be diagnosed with asbestos-related disease has joined with legal experts to launch an appeal for information regarding how his illness may have developed.

Father-of-two John Timms, 48, originally from Blackburn, was informed he had mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with asbestos exposure – in July 2017 after he developed symptoms including breathlessness.

Following his diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office to help him discover how he was exposed to the material and whether more could have been done to prevent it.

Now, as part of their ongoing investigations, the legal experts are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to shed light on the potential presence of asbestos at three schools in Blackburn, which John recalls from his childhood during the mid-1970s and the 1980s.

Rosemary Giles, the Partner and asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office who is representing John, said: 

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“This is a truly devastating tale in which a doctor who has devoted much of his life to researching cancer has gone on to develop such a condition at a terribly young age.

“Following our instruction, we have been working to develop a clearer picture of locations where John may have come into contact with asbestos and our enquiries have led us to require more information related to several school sites that he recalls from his childhood.

“As such, we would be hugely grateful to anyone who is able to come forward and shed light on the presence of asbestos at any of the locations highlighted.” Rosemary Giles - Partner

During his childhood, John attended St Silas Church of England School in Blackburn in the mid-1970s, and then was a pupil at Billinge High School – now known as Tauheedul Islam Girls School.

He also recalled that the nearby Crosshill Special School – now the site of Wensley Fold CE Primary School – underwent refurbishment during the early 1980s. During this refurbishment period, building materials and debris were left unattended on a sloping piece of land with no restriction to entry.

John’s legal team believe this collection of materials may well have contained asbestos and was left unattended for many months during this refurbishment period. Many schools at that time underwent refurbishment to remove asbestos present within the building of the school.

He has also recalled the presence of discarded broken asbestos in garage plots around the Manor Road area during his childhood.

Discussing how he may have come into contact with asbestos, John said: “I cannot recall any potential exposure to asbestos during my career so can only think that it could potentially have happened earlier than that.”

John, who with his wife Kate, 48, has two children, a 14 year-old daughter, Anna, and Jamie, his 11 year-old son. Kate and John have been married for 18 years.

He added: “My family and I have been left totally devastated by my diagnosis and the illness has already had a huge impact on my life. I have always had a very active lifestyle and enjoyed cycling and running, but the symptoms of the mesothelioma mean it is incredibly difficult to do that now.

“If anyone can help me gain some answers regarding these schools I attended, or was around, it would be hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rosemary Giles at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office on 0370 1500 300 or email Rosemary.Giles@irwinmitchell.com.

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