The family of a former Liverpool shipwright (a ship’s carpenter) who died of cancer has issued an appeal for information from anyone who worked in a similar role in the 1960s and 70s and may be able to shed light on the use of asbestos in the industry.
Gerald Breen, known as Gerry to his friends, was 81 years old when he sadly passed away in June 2021, just eight weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma - a terminal illness linked to occupational exposure to asbestos, which often takes place decades before symptoms arise.
Shocked to learn of what had caused his illness and desperate for answers, his family went on to instruct asbestos illness experts at Thompsons Solicitors to help determine when and where he may have been exposed, and whether more could have been done to protect him.
Their legal team is now appealing for people who may have worked alongside him during his career as a shipwright in Liverpool during the 1960s and 70s, or anyone with knowledge of asbestos use within the industry, to come forward with information.
Commenting on the case, Charlie Bradley, a senior specialist asbestos lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors who is representing the family, said: “This has been an extremely difficult time for Mr Breen’s family, and they are understandably desperate to better understand the circumstances surrounding his asbestos exposure.
“As part of our investigations we would be very grateful to hear from anyone who remembers working alongside him during his time as a shipwright in the 1960s and 70s and who may have information.
“We would also like to speak to anyone with wider experience of asbestos presence in shipbuilding materials used in Liverpool during this time, such as insulation, boilers, and pipes, which Mr Breen regularly handled during his work.”
While Mr Breen had moved to Wakefield later in life, he spent more than a decade working as a shipwright in Liverpool, working at companies including Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, and Alfred Holt and Company - trading as Blue Funnel Line - between 1961 and 1967.
Gerald Breen
He went on to work for the Ocean Steamship Co. Ltd in the 1970s, and later went on to become a window fabricator and a caretaker, as well as having part-time jobs as a bar man and bingo caller.
Commenting on the loss of his stepfather, Mr. Breen’s stepson, Daniel Stoppard, from Wakefield, added: “Gerry’s death was a shock for us all, but particularly for my mother, who is still struggling to come to terms with her loss.
“Gerry was such a physically active, happy-go-lucky character, but the asbestos cancer diagnosis really took the wind out of his sails, and his health deteriorated so quickly.
“We were left with so many questions about how, when, and where he was exposed to asbestos. We’re still trying to process his loss, so any help from his former colleagues and their family members would be greatly appreciated as we try to seek some closure.”
Anyone with information can contact Charlie Bradley at Thompsons Solicitors on 0113 205 6385, or via email at CharlieBradley@thompsons.law
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