Information Sought From Workmates Following Man’s Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former scaffolder are appealing to his former workmates for information on his working life, following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

James Finn (known as Jim/Jimmy), died aged 88 from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, James, from Abbey View, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it was linked to his work history. He died before he could see his case concluded.

James’ family led by his wife, Valerie Finn, and their daughter, Susan Finn, are now continuing the search for answers in James’ memory.

Ahead of World Cancer Day, Valerie and Susan have now joined their legal team in appealing to any of James’ old workmates to come forward with information on the conditions he would have worked under. They are keen to trace anyone who worked alongside James while working for Scaffolding GB Limited in the 1960s. During his time employed by Scaffolding GB Limited, James helped erect scaffolding at a number of landmarks including the Old Bailey.

Expert Opinion

“Jim had always been a very fit man, so his mesothelioma diagnosis came as a shock to him”. His illness and death has left his family understandably devastated and keen to continue his efforts to understand how he came to be exposed to asbestos.

“Our work means we support many families whose lives have been torn apart by mesothelioma and we’re committed to supporting James’ family in their ongoing search for the truth.

“While nothing can bring James back, the family would be grateful if anyone with information could get in contact. It could prove a big help to our enquiries and assist with providing the answers and closure they deserve after a distressing period in their lives.” Paul Ramsay, Scottish Qualified Solicitor

Born In 1933, James worked his whole life as a scaffolder and by the end of his career had risen to be a scaffolding foreman/supervisor. Until his retirement in 1998, he had worked for several scaffolding companies across London. This work included working on some of the capital’s iconic buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Barbican Towers and the Old Bailey.

James remembered he was part of a team employed by Scaffolding GB Limited to work on the construction of a sixth floor annexe platform at the Old Bailey in 1961. He remembered there were scaffolding boards that were covered in dust and fibrous material left by other tradesmen who worked in the building, which he had to clear when dismantling the scaffolding.

James retired in 1998 aged 65. As a scaffolder, James was a very active man, with fitness and exercise among his main hobbies. He continued weight training throughout his life and was still lifting weights in the gym until he became ill with mesothelioma in 2021.

In addition to being a fitness fanatic, James also very much enjoyed cooking and was known for his skills in the kitchen by his family and friends.

James had remained fit and active until he started to experience breathlessness in March 2021. Following a visit to his GP, James had various tests and was diagnosed with mesothelioma following a biopsy in May 2021. He died a short time later on 21 July 2021.

Valerie said: “Jim was a larger than life character, it’s still hard to believe he’s gone. Fitness was so baked into him that to receive that cancer diagnosis was a real shock to all of the family”

“To watch such a fit and strong man deteriorate in the way he did is something I’ll never forget. Jim worked hard his whole life supporting his family and didn’t deserve to suffer as a result of mesothelioma. To have him taken from his family, including his granddaughters who loved him dearly, before his time, has been very hard for everyone”

“James told us he worked on buildings all over London and particularly in the Moorgate, Holborn and Aldgate areas.

“If any of his old workmates could come forward and fill in some of the details it would be a big help in giving our family some of the answers we’re looking for and fulfilling a very special man’s last wishes.”

Anyone who has information which could help the investigation is asked to contact Paul Ramsay at Irwin Mitchell on 0203 0403 489, or at paul.ramsay@irwinmitchell.com

World Cancer Day is on Saturday 4 February.

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