Man died within two months of diagnosis
The widow of a South Yorkshire man who died only two months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, is appealing for former workmates to come forward with information regarding her husband’s working conditions.
75-year-old Roy Sanderson from Sheffield worked for Hall and Kay Heating and Mechanical Services Limited, in Sheffield, between 1960 and 1975 as a welder/fabricator.
He installed and removed boilers which included working with pipe lagging.
While working for Hall and Kay, Roy was involved on pipe extension work during the construction of ward three at Mount Vernon Hospital in Barnsley.
In early 2011, despite having been in good health for the majority of his life, Roy began to experience unusual shortness of breath and consulted his GP in March.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer linked to asbestos exposure
Two weeks later he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer. He contacted Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation against his former employers.
Roy’s health quickly deteriorated after his diagnosis and he died less than two months later in June 2011.
Roy’s widow and her solicitor are trying to trace his former colleagues at Hall and Kay Heating and Mechanical Services Limited, particularly anyone involved in the construction project at Mount Vernon Hospital, to gather more information.
Irene, who was married to Roy for 18 years, said: “We lost him within two months of knowing he had mesothelioma. It was such a shock to the whole family that even two years on, it is still very difficult to come to terms with.
“Nothing prepared us for the diagnosis we received and his rapid deterioration in health. Roy was a very fit man who had time spent in the army as a physical trainer. At first he had thought the unusual shortness of breath was down to a cold – but in 2011 his symptoms became much worse.
“My hope is that Roy’s former colleagues will come forward to help us piece together how he was exposed to asbestos.”
Urging people to get in touch who may hold some vital information
Oliver Collett from Thompsons Solicitors added: “We are keen to speak to former employees to identify how Roy would have been exposed to asbestos and are also urging people to get in touch who may hold some vital information about the insurers of Hall and Kay Heating and Mechanical Services Limited.”
Anyone who can help, please contact Oliver Collett on or by email: 0113 205 6323 or OliverCollett@thompsons.law.co.uk
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