The family of a former builder and shopfitter working across Bath, Radstock and Paulton who died after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, is appealing to anyone who worked alongside him throughout his career to come forward with information about where and when he may have been exposed to the harmful material.
Gordon Wood, aged 74, sadly died in December 2023, just six months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma—an aggressive and incurable cancer attributed to occupational asbestos exposure, which typically occurs decades before symptoms appear.
He had spent much of his working life as a builder and shopfitter, frequently involved in demolition projects where asbestos exposure was likely.
After his diagnosis, he sought the help of Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the circumstances surrounding his exposure. Following his death, his family vowed to continue his search for answers.
They are appealing to anyone who may have been with Mr Wood at various building companies working on jobs across the south of England to provide information about working conditions and possible asbestos exposure.
Their legal team, led by Amanda Jones of Thompsons Solicitors, is particularly keen to speak to those who worked with Mr. Wood in the late 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, when he delivered projects for companies including Hayward & Wooster Ltd, F.J. Amery & Sons, and ERNEST IRELAND.
The family recalls that Mr Wood did speak of a time in the 1980s when his "building gang was clearing asbestos from the roof of the Marks & Spencer storeroom in Bath" and how “one of the bosses stopped the work due to new asbestos-related legislation,” with a specialist team called in to complete the job.
Commenting on the case, Amanda from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Mr Wood’s family is understandably seeking answers about where and when he was exposed to asbestos during his working life. His death has left many questions, and we are urging anyone who worked with him to please come forward and share their experiences so that we can learn more about where he worked and the conditions in which he worked.”
Anyone with information can contact Amanda Jones at Thompsons Solicitors on 01554 779940 or via email at amandajones@thompsons.law