Bob Murdock, 78, began experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain and fatigue, which led him to seek medical advice. In the spring of 2024, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma — a rare and terminal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. 

Tragically, his condition progressed rapidly, and he passed away just weeks later on 12 June 2024 at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eileen, and their two children. 

Having lived and worked in and around the South West area for most of his life, Bob’s family is now appealing to anyone who may have worked alongside him locally to come forward. They hope to clarify when and where he may have come into contact with asbestos, in order to gain answers and seek justice on his behalf. 

In the early 1960s, Bob worked for Premier Caravans, in Gloucestershire, where he was responsible for spraying the caravans, then joining Stately Caravans in Pucklechurch. He later worked as a general labourer and painter, as well as working on the construction of local power stations as an employee of Darchem Engineering Ltd in the mid-1960s. 

He went on to join the fertiliser department at Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd and later took a job on the assembly line of local manufacturing company RA Lister & Co in Dursley where he stayed for around five years, from 1965. 

From 1969 until 2011 when he retired, Bob worked as a dock worker at Spillers Limited, later known as Trent Wharfage Ltd, British Waterways, and Sharpness Dock.  

Following their loss, Bob’s family has now instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors to help investigate where and how his exposure occurred. They are keen to speak with anyone who worked with Bob during his employment. 

Commenting on his passing, Eileen said: “Bob was a very kind, hard working man, and he didn’t deserve to suffer the way he did.  

“We were together for nearly 60 years and losing him so suddenly has left a huge hole in our lives. I just want to know what happened — how and where he came into contact with asbestos — so we can get some answers and peace of mind.”  

Nicholas Seymour, from Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol office, representing the family through Mr Murdock’s union membership with Unite, said: "This has been an incredibly difficult time for Bob’s family, particularly as mesothelioma is a disease that was entirely preventable.  

“Sadly, he passed away shortly after his diagnosis, leaving his family with many unanswered questions. We are committed to helping them understand when and where Bob was exposed to asbestos and would very much like to speak to anyone who worked with him at any of his former workplaces who may have first-hand knowledge the working conditions." 

Anyone who worked with Bob Murdock, or who has information about asbestos use at any of his former workplaces, is urged to contact Nicholas Seymour at Thompsons Solicitors, Bristol office, on 07974354276, or via email at NicholasSeymour@thompsons.law