Daniel Curran, from Stonebridge, West London, died aged 75, just one month after learning he had the incurable disease.

His family say the diagnosis came as a complete shock. After suffering a fall, Mr Curran underwent a scan on his ribs, when doctors found fluid on his lungs. Further tests confirmed he had mesothelioma, and just weeks after his diagnosis, he died on Christmas Day 2025.

He leaves behind his wife, Denise, who he had been married to for 48 years, and their son, James. Both have been devastated by their loss and the speed of his illness.

Thompsons Solicitors is now investigating the circumstances surrounding his illness on their behalf and is appealing for anyone who worked at the Heinz Harlesden factory during the 1970s and 1980s to come forward with information about the presence of asbestos there.

Between 1970 and 1986, Mr Curran worked at Heinz’s Harlesden factory as a forklift truck driver. During that time, he regularly worked around lagged pipework believed to have contained asbestos, and where it is thought his exposure took place.

Speaking of their loss Denise said: “We still cannot believe how quickly we lost him. One minute he was recovering from a fall and the next we were being told he had an incurable cancer.

“We never imagined that simply going to work could have led to this. It is truly devastating.”

Laura Morrison from the London asbestos team at Thompsons Solicitors said: "We're investigating the circumstances of Mr Curran’s exposure to asbestos and would very much like to hear from anyone who worked at the Harlesden factory during the 1970s and 1980s.

"Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. Even the smallest piece of information about the working conditions, asbestos, lagged pipework or maintenance work could help provide justice for Mr Curran's family."

Anyone who believes they can help is asked to contact Laura Morrison at Thompsons Solicitors on 0207 290 0059 or by email at LauraMorrison@thompsons.law

Mr Curran’s death is part of a much wider legacy of asbestos exposure that continues to have devastating consequences across the UK.

New Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data released this month, reveals that 2,146 people died from mesothelioma in 2024 as a result of past asbestos exposure.

Laura from Thompsons added: "The latest Health and Safety Executive figures show that asbestos continues to claim thousands of lives every year. Behind every one of those statistics is a family whose lives have been changed forever.

"Although the exposure often happened decades ago, witnesses' memories remain incredibly important. Information from former colleagues can play a vital role in helping families understand how their loved one came to develop this devastating disease."