Devastated Wife Makes Heartfelt Plea For Information on Worker’s Memorial Day

The family of a former plumber and painter from Birmingham, who died from asbestos-related illness, are appealing to his former workmates for information as to how he came into contact with the substance.

Frank Faragher, 65, from Handsworth, was diagnosed with asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs, commonly associated with breathing in asbestos fibres, often decades previously.

Following his death in March, 2020, his family, led by his wife Linda, instructed specialist asbestos related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and where Frank’s exposure could have taken place.

Frank’s wife, Linda, is now asking for help to coincide with Worker’s Memorial Day by appealing to Frank’s former workmates for help  about the conditions he would have faced during his career.

Information is sought on J S Wright, based on Bartholomew Row, Nechells, Birmingham B5 where Frank was employed as an apprentice plumber in the 1970’s. The family are also keen to trace anyone who worked with Frank during his time as a commercial painter and decorator at the IMI Factory in Witton in 1974 and at the Dunlop Tyre Factory, in Erdington where he worked from 1974 – 1978.

Expert Opinion

“Frank’s death has left the family devastated and his wife and children keen to resolve the unanswered questions they have concerning his death.

“We support many families who have faced the terrible and unexpected impact of asbestos exposure, often years after the initial contact occurred.

“Sadly, Frank wasn’t able to pass on much detail of his work history to Linda and the family prior to his death so if anyone who worked with him for any of these companies could come forward, it would mean a lot to the family.

“Any detail, no matter how small, could really make a difference to the investigation.” Iain Shoolbred - Partner

Born on 20 September 1954, Frank’s first job on leaving school was as an apprentice plumber with J S Wright on Bartholomew Row in Birmingham. As asbestos was widely used at the time for the insulation of pipework, the family believe Frank may have come into contact with asbestos at this time.

From here, Frank was then employed as a commercial painter and decorator, and worked at the IMI Factory in Witton in 1974 and at the Dunlop Tyre Factory from 1974 to 1978.

Around the start of 2019 Frank started to experience shortness of breath, a cough and fatigue which led him to consult his GP. Following tests, he was diagnosed with asbestosis shortly before he passed away in March 2020.

Frank’s wife, Linda said: “Frank’s death left everyone in the family in a state of shock. He had been in good health prior to his symptoms and we never imagined it could be anything so serious.

“Frank’s passing has left a hole in all our lives that can never be filled and having to watch his health decline knowing there was nothing we could do was a terrible experience.

“He found it difficult to accept that he got this condition from working and while he wanted to look into it further, time just ran out and the lockdown following his death was all the more difficult to bear.

“We are now in a position to try and find the answers he wanted and if anyone who does remember working with Frank could come forward, it would mean a lot to us all. I would be so grateful if anyone who thinks they can help us could please get in touch.”

Anyone with information that may help with the case is asked to contact Iain Shoolbred on 0121 214 5446 or email Iain.Shoolbred@IrwinMitchell.com

Worker’s Memorial Day is held on 28^th April every year and aims to increase awareness of workers who have lost their lives as a result of their work, by bringing experts and victims together from around the world to share their stories and take action.