Bradford Man Calls On Former Colleagues To Come Forward With Information

A former roofer from Bradford who has developed an asbestos-related illness has joined with legal experts to call for his old workmates to come forward and help him find answers about his condition.

Duncan MacGregor, 71, developed symptoms including a cough and shortness of breath and following a hospital referral it was confirmed that he had asbestosis – a serious long-term lung condition linked to asbestos exposure.

Following the diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office to investigate how he came to develop the illness. 

As part of their ongoing work, they are now keen to hear from anyone who may have worked with Duncan during his time at Thomas Nelson & Son (Roofing) Ltd between 1962 and 1982 and could have information regarding the presence of asbestos.

Fay Marshall, the specialist in asbestos-related disease at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Duncan, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is sadly yet another case in which the consequences of asbestos exposure have only become apparent many years after contact with the material is thought to have taken place.

“Asbestosis is a chronic condition and we are working hard to ensure that our client is able to get the answers he deserves regarding his illness. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may have information regarding the presence of asbestos at Thomas Nelson & Son, as these details could make a huge difference to our efforts.” Fay Marshall - Solicitor

Duncan underwent an apprenticeship in slating and tiling with Thomas Nelson & Son (Roofing) Ltd – which was also known locally as Nelsons – and worked predominantly on industrial jobs.

He recalled: “I worked regularly with corrugated asbestos sheets and recall some of them being stamped with the logo of the Turner and Newall factory in Manchester. We often had to cut the sheets to size and lots of dust would be released when we did it.

“We would also have to remove old asbestos sheeting and that again was very messy work. I would just be completely covered in dust by the end of the day and as we didn’t work with bricks and mortar it could only have been from the asbestos dust.”

Duncan, who has been married to his wife Sylvia for 40 years, added: “I remember shortly after leaving Nelsons that I learned that asbestos was dangerous – I recall even then thinking it was a little late to be telling me. Developing this illness has been very hard to take and I would be grateful to anyone who may be able to help me get justice regarding what I am going through.”

Anyone with information which could assist this case is asked to contact Fay Marshall at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 394 6826 or email fay.marshall@irwinmitchell.com.

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