David Collins died at 66 after developing chest pains and breathing problems
David Collins, holding his son in 1971.
Thompsons Solicitors is supporting a family in an appeal for information following the asbestos-related death of a former builder.
David Collins, from Ynystawe in Swansea, died after developing chest pains and a shortness of breath. He was 66 years old. Doctors later found David died of mesothelioma, a cancer that often develops in the lining of lungs and is linked to asbestos exposure.
He was employed as an apprentice by building firm Robert Hitchins between 1965 and 1969, working across various sites in Gloucestershire. This included the building of bungalows at Hester’s Way in Cheltenham, as well as houses on Ermin Street in the village of Hucclecote, near Gloucester. He was also involved in building works in Winchcombe.
David’s family contacted Thompsons Solicitors for legal help following his death. With the support of Thompsons Solicitors’ asbestos specialists, his relatives are urging anyone who worked for Robert Hitchens between 1965 and 1969, or has any knowledge of the work carried out by David or his exposure to asbestos, to get in touch.
David’s wife, Sylvia, said: “It was awful seeing my husband - such a strong man - deteriorate from this disease. Sadly, he was never aware of his mesothelioma diagnosis, so he was unable to provide full details of his working history to Thompsons Solicitors.
Anyone who remembers David, or worked at Robert Hitchens’ sites in Cheltenham, Hucclecote and Winchcombe between 1965 and 1969, should not hesitate to contact us. Hopefully then we can provide answers to his family about how he came to be exposed to asbestos, and sadly lose his life to mesothelioma.Amanda Jones of Thompsons Solicitors
“For this reason, if any of his former colleagues are able to provide us with information about the conditions at the building sites operated by Robert Hitchins, specifically at Hester’s Way, Ermin Street in Hucclecote and in Winchcombe, we would be extremely grateful.”
Amanda Jones, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Anyone who remembers David, or worked at Robert Hitchens’ sites in Cheltenham, Hucclecote and Winchcombe between 1965 and 1969, should not hesitate to contact us. Hopefully then we can provide answers to his family about how he came to be exposed to asbestos, and sadly lose his life to mesothelioma.”
Anyone with information about the working conditions at Robert Hitchins should contact Amanda Jones at Thompsons Solicitors’ Cardiff office, on 02920 445301.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.