Loved Ones Join With Lawyers To Call For Former Colleagues To Come Forward

The family of a former factory worker who died in June of this year from the asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, have joined with specialist lawyers to appeal for his former work colleagues to come forward and help them gain answers to how he was exposed to asbestos.

Grandfather-of-seven Michael Parry, who was originally from Devon and lived in Exmouth at the time of his death passed away aged 65 only months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos materials.

His widow, Gillian Parry, has instructed specialist asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material. As part of their work, they are seeking information from Michael’s former workmates regarding working conditions he may have faced and ways in which he came into contact with asbestos.

They are keen to hear from anymore who worked at the Courtaulds Textiles factory, part of the Courtaulds Group, in Flintshire, North Wales between 1969 and 1972, when Michael – known as Mike to friends – was employed as a labourer and later as a factory worker with the company.

According to his family, Michael spoke often about spending large amounts of time in the Churn Room which contained various pipes, vales and equipment lagged with asbestos insulation. His family also recall him describing the Rest Room, which again was full of pipework lagged with poorly maintained asbestos insulation.

Satpal Singh, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents Michael’s family, said:

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“We see numerous cases related to mesothelioma, a very aggressive and sadly incurable form of cancer that impacts victims, like Michael, many decades after they were exposed to asbestos.

“His family are desperate to understand how he came to be exposed to the material and develop this terrible disease, so we are urging anyone who worked with him at Courtaulds Textiles to please come forward and help us with our investigations.

“Any information could prove absolutely vital in helping Michael’s loved ones get the answers that they deserve.” Satpal Singh - Senior Associate

Gillian Parry, who was married to Michael for 39 years, said: “Mike told us how he recalled seeing asbestos lagged pipework all over the factory and he even remembered seeing asbestos waste in large sacks just left lying around.  

“We are still trying to come to terms with losing Mike and know that any answers we can get regarding his illness would help with that process. It would be hugely appreciated if his former work colleagues could get in touch with information.”

Anyone with information about working conditions at Courtaulds Textiles that could help Gillian and her family get the answers they need should contact Nicole Ross on 0117 926 1509 or email nicole.ross@irwinmitchell.com.

Our expert asbestos claims team will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to contracting mesothelioma. See our Mesothelioma Claims page for more information.