Neil Williams, from Tamworth, spent 50 years working on construction, maintenance and refurbishment projects across the West Midlands, starting as a teenager in the mid-1970s and retiring shortly before falling ill in 2024.

During his career, his family say he regularly handled asbestos-containing materials, including insulating board sold under the brand name Asbestolux. His work involved installing boards and cutting asbestos sheets, activities which could release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

However, his life was turned upside down when he began experiencing chest pain and breathlessness.

Following investigations and treatment at Queen’s Hospital Burton, Neil was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that can take decades to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Sadly, he died in December 2025, aged just 67, leaving behind his wife, Gillian, their three children and six grandchildren.

An inquest into his death concluded that he had died from an industrial disease.

His family are now being supported by Thompsons Solicitors, and their legal team are appealing for anyone who worked alongside Neil to come forward with information about the conditions in which he worked.

They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have worked with him at Second City Group, KTS Construction Ltd, M&M Construction Limited, or the Turners Asbestos factory, during the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s.

Nikki Hammonds, of Thompsons Solicitors' Birmingham office, who is representing Neil’s family, said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that can take decades to develop, meaning families are often faced with a diagnosis many years after the original asbestos exposure took place.

“Neil's family have lost a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and we are determined to help them secure the justice he deserves.

“We know Neil regularly handled asbestos-containing materials during his working life. We are now keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside him and can provide further insight into the conditions he experienced and the work he carried out.

“Former colleagues may remember the materials used, how they were handled and what protective measures were in place. Their recollections could provide vital evidence to support his family's case, and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone who worked alongside Mr Williams or can provide information about the working conditions at his former workplaces is asked to contact Nikki Hammonds at Thompsons Solicitors on 0178 2406 234 or via email at NikkiHammonds@thompsons.law.