The family of a former Gwent factory worker are appealing for his former work colleagues to come forward with information about the working conditions he was exposed to after he sadly passed away from an asbestos-linked cancer last year.  

Anthony Morris from Tredegar, Wales, first fell ill with a persistent cough around Christmas 2022. He consulted his GP, who sent him for further investigation.  

Following an X-ray and subsequent biopsy, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos, which often takes place decades before symptoms arise. 

He underwent chemotherapy but sadly passed away in December 2023. Just 68 years old at the time of his death, he leaves behind his wife, Mandy and their children, David and Gemma.  

 

Before his death, Mr Morris had instructed asbestos litigation experts at Thompsons Solicitors through his membership with Unite the union, to help investigate the source of his asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, he died soon after, but his family is committed to continuing his battle for justice. 

To help them gather the necessary information his legal team, led by Kirsty Lambourne from the firm’s Cardiff office, is looking to speak to anyone who may have worked alongside Mr Morris at any point during his career. 

Mr Morris joined the Ashvale Works in Fair View, Tredegar, the site of the former Dennex factory, where he spent much of the next 50 years working for various companies.  

Initially, he worked for Clifford Williams, a clothing manufacturer, before being made redundant in 1975. He then returned to the factory between 1975 and 1976, where he was employed to assist with the demolition and restoration of the building so that it was ready for its new occupiers. He had to demolish partitions and remove electrical fittings in and around the existing pipework.  

Clifford Williams is also where he met his wife, Mandy, who recalls the presence of asbestos within the building in the form of lagging on the steam pipes and presses.  

He later returned to the factory when it was taken over by Modern Injection Moulds and continued working there until he became too ill in 2023. While working for Modern Injection Moulds, he had to replace broken ceiling tiles that he believed were made of asbestos.  

Commenting on her husband’s illness, Mrs Mandy Morris, Anthony’s widow, said: “Around Christmas time 2022, Anthony developed an irritating cough that wouldn’t go away. He went to see his GP and was sent for an x-ray, and in March 2023, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.  

“It was such a shock. He was still working part-time when he became ill and had been relatively fit and well, but his health deteriorated so quickly. He was in so much pain towards the end he couldn’t do the things he enjoyed. Eventually, he had to go to the hospital for treatment.  

It’s been a very difficult time, but we’re determined to continue his efforts to corroborate his evidence. We hope that anyone with information will come forward to help us. 

“Sadly, we also know that some of his former colleagues have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma. It’s all very sad.” 

Kirsty Lambourne, an industrial disease expert at Thompsons Solicitors representing the Morris family, is keen to speak to former colleagues who worked at the site.  

For further information or to provide details that might assist in Mr Morris’ case, please contact Kirsty Lambourne at Thompsons Solicitors on 07581060731 or email kirstylambourne@thompsons.law.