Remembering Ron

Few people embody determination quite like Ron. Whether he was lining up to start the Great North Run, supporting others living with mesothelioma, or facing his own treatment, giving up was never part of his character.

Ron’s competitive spirit and drive to keep going against all the odds were recognised in his nicknames I-Ron Man, King of the Mountains, and Great North Ron, so called because he took part in every Great North Run since it was founded in 1981.

He was determined to cross the finish line year after year, despite his diagnosis and regardless of where he was at in his treatment journey.

His positive outlook was an inspiration to others diagnosed with mesothelioma and he was well-known by the national charity, Mesothelioma UK and his local group, Readley Asbestos and Mesothelioma Support.

Both charities were there for Ron after his diagnosis and he repaid that support to others in a similar situation.

“Seeing Ron living well with mesothelioma gave patients hope,” says Leah Taylor, Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK. “It’s important to have access to others going through the same. When you’re diagnosed you think it’s a bleak picture. Then there’s the other side. That was Ron. He was inspirational and his enthusiasm was infectious to those around him.”

Sam Cox from Readley said, “There’s a deep connection with Ron. He could be the life and soul, celebrate every moment. I like to think we were a constant and solid for him too, there for the highs and the lows.”

Ron himself recognised the importance of finding people who knew what he was going through saying, “It’s the support that carries us through.”

On holiday in Croatia in September 2018, Ron developed symptoms known to be associated with mesothelioma. His GP arranged a blood test and x-ray on his return and referred him for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS procedure). The results confirmed he had mesothelioma and Ron received the diagnosis on his wife’s birthday in December 2018.

Ron said, “I was devastated. I’ve always been tough and fit and healthy, and got through everything, but I didn’t think I could get through this.” 

We supported Ron to bring a claim against the shipbuilders where he was exposed to asbestos. Within a couple of weeks, we had helped Ron claim benefits to cover his mortgage and bills because he had to give up work.

His case settled quickly, helped by a portfolio of evidence one of his colleagues created after receiving their own diagnosis. In just a few months, Ron received a substantial interim payment from the other side.

The compensation gave Ron peace of mind, and his settlement included provision for specialist care and treatment when his condition deteriorated.

Our expert lawyer, Emma Bell, who supported Ron throughout his claim said, “If it wasn’t for the legal case, Ron wouldn’t have had the option for private treatment. While the NHS is absolutely brilliant, there are limitations on the treatment it can provide for mesothelioma.

“Trials have shown that some drugs not currently available on the NHS can benefit those who’ve been diagnosed. Many people don’t realise that the cost of drugs and treatment outside the NHS can run into tens, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Without bringing legal action, most people simply can’t afford to access them.”

Ron said, “Everything just went so smoothly, I couldn’t believe how well it went at the time. When I picked Irwin Mitchell, I knew I’d picked the best for me.”