Gary developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) during his 33-year career as a gardener, working for a local authority.
Throughout much of his employment he used vibrating tools on a daily basis but was never warned about the dangers to his hands.
The excessive vibration caused tingling and numbness in the fingers and problems with dexterity, leading to his diagnosis of HAVS.
He was referred by his union to Thompsons, who secured £10,000 in compensation for him.
Gary said: “For years I worked with heavy industrial lawn mowers and strimmers but was never warned that they might affect my hands in later years. It wasn’t until after I was diagnosed that we were provided with forms to fill in to monitor our exposure.
“The condition can be frustrating. I find simple things like picking up coins difficult and I fear that it is only going to get worse.”