A man from West Yorkshire who worked at J Blakeborough & Sons Ltd in Brighouse during the summer of 1980, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and is urgently appealing to those he worked at the factory in the early 1980s to come forward with information in the hope of securing compensation to fund life-extending treatment.
In July 2024, Peter Hodkinson, a 63-year-old father of three, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, after experiencing months of breathlessness and a collapsed lung.
His diagnosis followed a PET CT scan and biopsies at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, confirming asbestos-related cancer. As mesothelioma often develops decades after exposure, Peter is now seeking further information about where and how he came into contact with asbestos.
Recalling his time at the factory, Peter explained that he worked as a cleaner during its annual summer shutdown when a team was brought in to clear accumulated dust and debris. His duties included sweeping floors, wiping down machinery, and cleaning areas where asbestos lagging had deteriorated.
He remembers working in the boiler room, where a large boiler and surrounding pipes were coated in a white-grey lagging material—which he now understands was asbestos.
“There was dust everywhere, and I had no idea at the time how dangerous it was. We were never given protective equipment or warned about asbestos,” Peter said.
Peter has now instructed industrial disease specialists at Thompsons Solicitors to help establish when and where he was exposed to asbestos and whether more could have been done to protect him.
To gather vital evidence, his legal team, led by Nicholas Seymour, is urgently seeking to speak to anyone who worked at J Blakeborough & Sons Ltd in Brighouse, particularly those employed during the 1970s and 1980s, who may have knowledge of asbestos use at the site.
Having enjoyed a long career in graphic design and an active lifestyle, Peter is now focused on accessing immunotherapy treatment, which could extend his life and improve his quality of life. However, immunotherapy has not been successful and further treatments may not be possible. This leaves alternative treatment options unavailable on the NHS, making compensation crucial for funding his care in the private sector.
“This diagnosis has turned my life upside down. I’m determined to do everything I can to access treatment, but I need the support of former colleagues who can help confirm what conditions were like in the factory,” Peter said.
Nicholas Seymour from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Peter is still coming to terms with his diagnosis and the impact this will have on him and his family. The reality is that asbestos exposure at workplaces like J Blakeborough & Sons Ltd has left many workers at risk of devastating illnesses decades later.
“We are working urgently to secure compensation that could fund potentially life-extending treatment for Peter, but time is of the essence. We urge anyone who worked at the factory, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, to come forward as soon as possible.”
If you, or someone you know, worked at J Blakeborough & Sons Ltd in Brighouse and have information about asbestos exposure at the site, don't hesitate to get in touch with Nicholas Seymour at Thompsons Solicitors on 0117 304 2471 or via email at NicholasSeymour@thompsons.law.
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.