Raymond Kent, 72, from Liverpool, was diagnosed in 2021 with malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, an exceptionally rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the testicle. Doctors initially told him that his life expectancy could be just 6 to 18 months. 

Following the diagnosis, Mr Kent’s family contacted his union, Unite, which referred them to the Merseyside Asbestos Victim Support Group (MAVSG) and Thompsons Solicitors — a firm specialising in asbestos-related cases. The charity and legal team began working together immediately to support the family with urgent care needs, welfare benefits, and to look into the source of asbestos exposure. 

Thompsons Solicitors also led a full legal investigation into Mr Kent’s work history at Ford’s Halewood Plant, where he had been employed between 1976 and 1999, and where he described widespread asbestos across the site — including on pipe lagging and in air conditioning units 

His role involved installing parts, wiring electrical systems, and checking components to meet strict quality standards, and he recalled disturbing asbestos-laden dust during cleaning tasks.  

As part of the investigation a detailed medical report was obtained, and Ford Motor Company initially admitted a breach of duty — acknowledging it had failed to protect Mr Kent from asbestos exposure. At this stage, an interim payment was made and the company agreed to pay for private immunotherapy, if recommended by his Oncologist. 

However, it continued to dispute whether their negligence had directly caused Mr Kent’s illness. 

As the case progressed, Mr Kent’s condition worsened. He experienced complications from standard treatments, which were proving ineffective, and was referred to Dr Pope at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Dr Pope recommended Mr Kent for an advanced form of cancer therapy not currently available through the NHS. 

Thompsons acted quickly, securing full funding for commencement of the private treatment from Ford Motor Company within weeks — allowing Mr Kent to begin the potentially life-extending care recommended by his medical team without delay. While the company still refused to accept full liability, resulting in court proceedings being issued, robust negotiations ultimately led to a significant out-of-court settlement, ensuring Mr Kent could continue his private immunotherapy treatment with funding in place and improved quality of life. 

Paula Wrigley, Specialist Asbestos Disease Solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, who represented Mr Kent, said: “This was a devastating diagnosis, caused by exposure to asbestos at work. In cases like Mr Kent’s, early access to specialist treatment is absolutely essential and can help extend life. 

“But just as importantly, early access to legal advice can ensure that families are supported to access financial support and welfare benefits — providing much-needed peace of mind at a time of shock, uncertainty and often loss of income.  

“We were proud to support Mr Kent and his family throughout this process. By acting quickly, we were able to overturn the initial benefits refusal, hold Ford to account, and ensure that Mr Kent could access the specialist care he needed.” 

Support from the MAVSG and the legal team proved critical at every stage. In the early days, the family’s application for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) was rejected by the Department for Work and Pensions, which claimed there was insufficient evidence linking Mr Kent’s condition to asbestos.  

With the help of the charity, Thompsons swiftly secured preliminary medical evidence confirming that the cancer was consistent with asbestos-related disease — successfully overturning the decision and unlocking early access to vital financial support. 

The family have since spoken out in the hope of raising awareness of the support available through Unite, Thompsons Solicitors and MAVSG. 

Christine Baldwin, Mr Kent’s daughter, said: “We were referred to Thompsons by my Dad’s union, Unite, after his diagnosis. Thompsons immediately provided expert support, guiding us through a challenging time. Paula Wrigley and MAVSG visited Dad at home the same week we made contact, which quickly gave us confidence that we were in safe hands. Paula’s knowledge, compassion and responsiveness throughout the process were invaluable. 

“Thanks to Paula and the expertise of Thompsons, Dad has received essential care and financial security, giving us precious additional time together. Our experience has highlighted the importance of seeking specialist legal advice in such difficult situations. 

“Our Dad is a husband, grandad and an amazing family man, but was simply a number in the workplace. We would strongly encourage anyone facing health implications as a result of workplace negligence with asbestos to contact Thompsons Solicitors and Merseyside Victim Support Group (MAVSG), as their support to our family has been crucial during this devastating time.” 

Ray Kent and his wife Eileen added: “We didn’t know where to turn to when told of the diagnosis but we were informed of MAVSG by the union, and we can’t thank the NHS and the charity enough for all the help, guidance and support in our journey to cope with this terrible news. 

“MAVSG hold monthly tea, coffee and biscuit meetings for people like us where we can meet and discuss our problems, it has been a fantastic aid to us to know we have the Group and the support of others walking the same journey as us.” 

John Flanagan, Manager at the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group (MAVSG), said: “We welcome the news that Ray and Eileen have secured justice in their claim to be compensated for Ray’s mesothelioma. While money will never compensate for contracting this insidious disease due to the negligence of his former employer, it will go some way in financially supporting his treatment and being able to live some sort of normal life. 

“Thompsons Solicitors and the family’s solicitor, Paula Wrigley, deserve due credit in the success of his case which was a rare form of mesothelioma, and a challenging case fought for and won.” 

Stephen Pinder, Head of Legal Services at Unite the Union, said: "Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, employers knew the risks but failed to take action for decades. Wherever possible, Unite through its legal services, is totally committed to supporting our members in ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for having their health wrecked."