Lawyers And Loved Ones Call For Former Colleagues To Come Forward

The widow of a former printing worker from Lazonby, near Penrith, who died of asbestos-related disease last year has joined with lawyers to appeal for anyone who worked with him to come forward and help her gain answers regarding how his illness developed.

William Budd died aged 52 on August 24th just weeks after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung invariably associated with exposure to the deadly material asbestos. His illness developed so quickly that he was too unwell to go into hospital to be informed of the diagnosis, with a doctor having to visit him at home to deliver the news.

Following his death, his wife Samantha instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her discover how he came into contact with the material and whether his illness could have been avoided.

Now, as part of their work, the legal experts are keen to hear from anyone who worked with William during his time in a number of roles, including when he held positions at Tyneside Cinema, the Evening Chronicle and the Glasgow Herald.

Kirstie Devine, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Samantha Budd, said: 

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“This devastating case is sadly like many others that we are involved in, with victims developing symptoms of asbestos-related disease very quickly and often many years after the initial exposure to the material is thought to have taken place.

“Following our instruction, we are beginning to piece together information related to William’s work history and would be keen to hear from anyone who may be able to shed light on the presence of asbestos at any of his former employers. Any detail could prove vital in our efforts to get his family the justice they deserve.” Kirstie Devine - Solicitor

William worked at Tyneside Cinema between 1986 and 1988 after leaving college, with the role involving the printing of flyers. Prior to this he worked for Newcastle City Council for a year and following his time at the cinema he worked on printing presses at the Evening Chronicle’s premises in the Groat Market in Newcastle between 1988 and 1995.

He then moved to Glasgow in 1994 and worked for Caledon Newspapers Ltd and was involved in printing production. He was there until 2000 when he then became an operations manager for Airtours PLC based in Manchester.

In 2003, William became Production Manager for Newsquest in Blackburn and between 2016 and 2017 he worked as a delivery driver in Cumbria.

Looking back on his illness, Samantha said: “It has been devastating to lose William as he was generally fit and well just weeks before the illness took hold. He developed a painful shoulder and when he went to get that checked out investigations confirmed he had mesothelioma.

“His health deteriorated very fast and the doctor had to come to our home to give him the diagnosis. It was truly awful seeing the illness take hold of him and it is going to take a long time for me to come to terms with losing him.

“I am desperate for answers regarding how his illness developed and if anyone with information could come forward it would be hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kirstie Devine at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office on 0191 279 0136 or email Kirstie.Devine@IrwinMitchell.com. 

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