Mr David Robinson, from Washington, was just 59 years old when he received the diagnosis after suffering from breathlessness and a persistent cough.   

Now 60, he has been forced to take extended periods of time off work to undergo immunotherapy treatment following a biopsy procedure to confirm he had mesothelioma.  

Following the diagnosis, Mr Robinson instructed industrial disease law experts at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate his work history to determine when and where he was exposed to asbestos in the hope of bringing a compensation claim that reflects his loss of earnings.  

He is also hoping to secure funds that will allow him to pay for any future treatment he may need, which is not available on the NHS.  

His legal team, led by Joseph Dowey from the Newcastle office, is appealing for witnesses who worked with him throughout his career as a chef across the North East, and who may be able to provide information about the presence of asbestos in any of his workplaces. 

Mr Robinson

They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who worked for or at Northern Rock House, based at Regent Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, where Mr Robinson was based between 1991 and 1998 while large-scale refurbishment works were taking place. 

When Mr Robinson was employed by the Compass Group at this time, he recalls that he was responsible for servicing the vending machines on every floor, including within some departments, spending approximately 10-15 minutes on each machine.  

He remembers a particularly dusty atmosphere, with dust visible on the carpets and ceiling tiles removed and stacked on the floor, some of which were broken. 

He also remembers that the tradesmen wore facemasks and safety glasses. 

Commenting on his illness, Mr Robinson said that it had come as a ‘massive shock’ to realise the effect that it would have on his physical fitness, which has deteriorated.  

Joseph Dowey from Thompsons Solicitors, representing Mr Robinson, stated: “It is always very difficult for a person to be diagnosed with such a terrible illness, but it is especially hard to come to terms with when they don’t work in industries typically associated with mesothelioma and asbestos.  

“In Mr Robinson’s case, we are hoping to secure funds that reflect his loss of earnings and provide him with some financial security for the future. 

“We are now in the process of determining when and where he may have been exposed to asbestos and would like to hear from anyone who worked alongside him at any point during his career to reach out with information.” 

Anyone with information can contact Joseph Dowey at Thompsons Solicitors on 0191 2690457 or via email at josephdowey@thompsons.law.  

Joseph added: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have worked with Mr Robinson at any point, but particularly individuals who participated in, or were present during, the renovation works at Northern Rock House during the refurbishment in the 1990s. 

“Your cooperation and assistance would be greatly appreciated.”