Barry Hanrahan, 75, from Greater Manchester, spent five years as an apprentice at Manchester Dry Docks Co Ltd in the 1960s. During this time, he was regularly exposed to asbestos dust and fibres while working in the engine rooms of docked ships. 

His role involved working on all aspects of mechanical marine engineering, including removing asbestos lagging from pipework, engines, and boilers and handling compressed asbestos fibre gaskets—tasks that released large quantities of hazardous materials into the air. 

Mr Hanrahan says he was never made aware of the dangers of working with asbestos, nor was he provided with any protective equipment or safety information. Like many workers of his generation, he unknowingly carried out his duties in a hazardous environment contaminated with deadly fibres. 

“Back in the 1960s, we had no idea how dangerous asbestos was,” said Mr Hanrahan. “It was everywhere in the shipyards, and we were handling it day in, day out—ripping it off pipes, working around it, breathing it in—with no protection at all.  

“No one warned us. But looking back now, it’s clear the company knew far more than we did. They should have protected us, and they didn’t.” 

More than 50 years after that exposure, Mr Hanrahan began suffering from a persistent cough that wouldn’t go away. In May 2021, his GP asked whether he had ever worked with asbestos—a question that led to a referral to North Manchester General Hospital’s Occupational Lung Disease Unit.  

A CT scan revealed scarring at the base of his lungs, and he was diagnosed with pleural plaques, which later turned into pleural effusion, a condition linked to asbestos exposure, which required a biopsy that diagnosed mesothelioma. He began immunotherapy treatment in March 2023, which, up to now, has stabilised the condition for the time being. 

With the support of his trade union, Unite, Mr Hanrahan approached Thompsons Solicitors, specialists in asbestos disease claims, to investigate the circumstances of his exposure. 

Following detailed investigations and the gathering of key witness evidence, Thompsons brought a legal claim against Manchester Dry Docks Co Ltd. The company later admitted liability, and the case was settled out of court for a substantial six-figure sum. This allowed Mr Hanrahan to access private medical treatment, should it be required in the future, and secure ongoing care. 

“To be diagnosed so many years later with a disease like mesothelioma has been a real shock, and it’s been incredibly difficult to come to terms with,” Mr Hanrahan said. 

“The illness has impacted every part of my life—physically and emotionally—but I’m grateful that I have had the support of my family and friends who have been by my side throughout. Their help has made all the difference as I’ve gone through treatment and tried to adjust to what this diagnosis means. 

"I’m extremely grateful to the NHS for funding and providing my two-year course of immunotherapy through The Christie at the Wythenshawe Cecilia Centre. I’ve been supported throughout by two specialist mesothelioma nurses at Wythenshawe, who are wholly funded by the charity Mesothelioma UK. They work closely alongside NHS staff and do an outstanding job supporting patients — not only with medical care, but also by liaising with other agencies and offering practical help and reassurance.  

“With Unite Union, Thompsons Solicitors, Greater Manchester Asbestos Support Group, and The NHS at Wythenshawe all supporting me, we’ve managed to exceed my original life expectancy given at first diagnosis.  

“I’m also extremely grateful to have had the support of my legal team and to have secured funds that have provided me with some financial security and access to private treatment at a later date, should I need it. 

“Although, as with all cases of mesothelioma, I’m sure that the victims of this horrible illness—myself included—would gladly swap the compensation for good health again. I would highly recommend that retiring union members retain their membership as it’s a great help in cases such as mine.” 

Emma Draper, the Principal Lawyer who leads the North West asbestos team at Thompsons Solicitors and who represented Mr Hanrahan in his claim, said: “This case is a stark reminder of how widespread and dangerous asbestos exposure was across many industries, particularly in shipbuilding and heavy engineering.  

“Workers like Mr Hanrahan were never told about the risks, despite their employers being able to know better and act. 

“We’re pleased to have secured justice for Mr Hanrahan and hope this case encourages anyone with a similar work history to come forward.” 

Unite director of legal Stephen Pinder said: “Asbestos continues to destroy the lives of thousands of workers, because employers failed to ensure workplace safety. Unite is absolutely dedicated to ensuring that wherever possible our members who suffer asbestos-related illness receive justice, through Unite’s legal services.”