Did you work with Bill Wiles from Wallsend?
The family of a Wallsend man who died from asbestos related cancer is appealing for information from his former work colleagues.
William Wiles, known as Bill, was 86 when he died from mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
He was diagnosed with the disease less than a year earlier after complaining of chest pain.
Following his death his wife of 62-years, Joyce Wiles, contacted asbestos compensation claims experts, Thompsons Solicitors, for advice.
Were you employed by Wallsend Corporation between 1971 and 1982?
It’s believed that William, who had three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, was exposed to asbestos working for Wallsend Corporation, now North Tyneside Council, between 1971 and 1982.
He worked with a team of ‘gangers’ who refurbished council houses. It is understood William had a hands-on role helping the team to strip out heating systems, fireplaces and electrical wiring.
The houses were reduced to bare shells before being fully rewired and new central heating systems installed.
William was based at the council depot at Rosehill Bank in Wallsend. The depot no longer exists.
Thompsons need to hear from anyone who can provide information about the presence of asbestos in local authority housing in North Tyneside
William’s widow, Joyce Wiles, 86, would like anyone who worked as a ganger for the Wallsend Corporation from 1971 to 1982 to come forward and anyone else who can provide information about the presence of asbestos in local authority housing in North Tyneside during that period.
Joyce said: “Bill and I had a long and happy marriage. It was devastating to see him in terrible pain for almost a year before he died. I feel so angry he had to suffer that way.”
Gill Connelly from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Asbestos was a common building material in use at the time Mr Wiles was employed by the Council. We are aiming to build up a detailed picture of the work he did at the time and what others around him were doing.
Anyone with any information should contact Gill Connelly on 08000 224 224.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.