Seeking Information On Working Conditions With Macclesfield Borough Council

The daughter of a former joiner from Macclesfield who died from asbestos cancer is making a heartfelt appeal for information on how her father could have developed the illness that killed him.

Ken Newton died in September 2018 at the age of 86, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.  A terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos which often occurs decades earlier.

Following Ken’s death, his daughter Lynne Murrell instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her father’s illness and where his exposure had occurred. 

Lynne has now joined with her legal team in appealing for Ken’s former colleagues at Macclesfield Borough Council to come forward with information on the working conditions during her father’s employment between 1971 and 1996 as a joiner.

Armon Momenabadi, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lynne, said: “Ken’s diagnosis understandably came as a shock to his family, and losing him to such a horrible disease has been incredibly difficult for them.

“Through our work, we sadly come across many people whose lives are affected by asbestos-related cancer such as mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their working years.

“Sadly, Ken is no longer here to be a part of our investigation, but we are determined to get the answers that Lynne needs as to how her dad went on to develop mesothelioma.  We would therefore be grateful to hear from anyone who may have worked alongside Ken while he was employed by Macclesfield Borough Council from the early 1970s to the late 1990s.

“Any detail, no matter how small, could prove vital.”

Ken began his employment as a joiner for Macclesfield Borough Council in 1971.  He regularly worked on domestic and commercial council properties around the area.  This included the Moss Road Estate, where he cut asbestos boards as part of maintenance work in council houses.  He retired from the local authority in 1996.

At the time of his death, Ken was a widower.  His wife Pamela died in 2013.  He was father to two daughters.  He also had four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

His daughter Lynne said: “When dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from beneath us.  We had already lost mum and this was another devastating blow to the family.

“We had to watch dad deteriorate before our eyes and it was heart-breaking.  Prior to the illness, he had been such a keen dog walker and loved his dog, Elsa, who he walked every day.  But by the end, he found it impossible to take her out as much as he wanted, and we could see how much it upset him.

“While nothing can turn back the clock and bring dad back to us, we need to find out what led to his death.  Although he is no longer here with us, these are answers that he deserved.

“During dad’s time with the Macclesfield Council, his workmates called him Gunner or Gunner Newton as he had done voluntary work with the Territorial Army and Army Cadets.  We would really appreciate it if anyone who remembers him could come forward.”

Anyone with information that may assist with this case is asked to contact Armon Momenabadi on 0161 838 3099 or by e-mail at armon.momenabadi@irwinmitchell.com.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases