Earlier this year, Mr Rodney Davidson was admitted to hospital after experiencing breathlessness.  

While doctors initially suspected a collapsed lung, further investigations — including a CT scan and a biopsy — confirmed that he was suffering from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure that typically develops several decades after initial contact. 

The diagnosis came as a shock to the 80-year-old, who is now considering treatment — including chemotherapy — in an effort to help manage his symptoms and maintain his quality of life.  

He has also since instructed asbestos disease specialists at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate his work history, and the circumstances of his exposure, and to help him secure compensation to assist with the cost of his ongoing care and treatment.  

Mr Davidson had a varied working life, starting as an apprentice cooper at J Arthur & Son, where he stayed for around five years. In the early 1970s, he briefly worked at John T Bell before joining Armstrong Cork in Team Valley, where he was employed for approximately one year. 

At Armstrong Cork, he worked across several departments involved in the production of floor and ceiling tiles, often alongside hundreds of employees. He recalls the factory being extremely dusty, particularly in the mixing and pressing areas, where asbestos-containing fibres were used in the manufacturing process. His duties included operating machinery, packing tiles, loading hoppers, spraying, and working near large, lagged steam pipes — all of which contributed to significant dust exposure. 

Commenting on his illness, Mr Davidson said: “My diagnosis came as a terrible shock - it’s a lot to take in. Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, and since I first became unwell it has already had a huge impact on my wellbeing and independence.  

“I want to better understand how this happened. I remember a lot about the working conditions at the companies I worked for, but I’m really hoping others will come forward to support my account and provide any extra details that could help.” 

Mr Davidson and his legal team are now looking to speak to anyone who worked alongside him throughout his career, and particularly those employed at Armstrong Cork in Team Valley during the early 1970s. The are especially keen to hear from individuals who worked in similar roles in the floor and ceiling tile departments. 

Stuart Latham, from Thompsons Solicitors’ asbestos team, based in Newcastle, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for Mr Davidson, who is coming to terms with a life-limiting diagnosis while also trying to manage his treatment and prepare for the future.  

“Our priority is to help him better understand the circumstances of his exposure to asbestos and to access the support the ongoing support and care that he needs.  

“We would like to speak to anyone who worked alongside or in a similar role to him to reach out, particularly anyone who worked at Armstrong Cork on the Team Valley during the early 1970s and who might be able to help.” 

Anyone with information can contact Stuart Latham at Thompsons Solicitors on 01912690410, or via email at stuartlatham@thompsons.law.