Dad-Of-Three And Lawyers Seek Information On Working Conditions At Cable Manufacturing Company In Leeds

A former warehouse worker is appealing to his ex-colleagues for information following his terminal asbestos cancer diagnosis.

Trevor Charlesworth, from Wetherby, lives with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, in July 2022, Trevor instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it could be linked to his work history.

Trevor, 81, is now joining with his legal team in appealing to his former colleagues for information on the working conditions he faced.  They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Trevor at British Insulated Callender’s Cables (BICC) Limited, a cable manufacturer and construction company, initially based at Park Lane before it moved to Kirkstall Road in Leeds.

Expert Opinion

“It's been an incredibly tough time for Trevor and his family as they attempt to come to terms with his diagnosis and the uncertainty around what the future may hold.

“Understandably, they also have many questions over how he could have been exposed to asbestos which led to him developing mesothelioma, a particularly unpleasant and life-limiting disease.

“Trevor’s case is a stark reminder of the terrible legacy left behind by asbestos, and while we can’t change what he and his family are going through, we’re determined to help them obtain the answers they deserve.

“We’d therefore be grateful to hear from anyone who recalls working with Trevor and can provide details on the conditions they faced. Any information could prove vital in our investigation.” Hannah Robinson, Asbestos-Related Disease lawyer

Trevor was employed by BICC between 1962 and 1966, working as a warehouse man in Leeds.  He spent half his time in the warehouse and the other half making on-site deliveries of cables to power stations and mills.

Trevor said that during the deliveries, he would be within a few yards of laggers who would mix and apply lagging to pipework. He believes the lagging contained asbestos. Trevor said he would often pass labourers sweeping dust and debris which he would breathe in.

At times, he was also required to cut cables that contained an insulation material that he believed was made from asbestos.

Trevor attended his GP in November 2021 complaining of rib and back pain.  He underwent a series of tests including X-rays, scans and blood tests.

In April 2022, he had fluid drained from his lung. He had a biopsy the following month.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2022.  Since then, he has undergone six sessions of immunotherapy.

Trevor lives with his wife of 40 years, Denise, 73.  He has two daughters, Phillipa, 59, and Tracey, 52, and one son, Nicholas, 57.  He also has six grandchildren.

Since his diagnosis, Trevor can only walk short distances now.  He is also unable to travel far or play golf anymore, and struggles to cook, which he used to love, as he can’t stand for long periods.

Trevor said: “When I first began to feel pain in my ribs and back, I thought it was maybe just the inevitability of getting older but it got worse very quickly so I knew something wasn’t quite right.  Not for one minute, however, did I expect to be told I had cancer, especially one that I’d never even heard of before.

“Since being diagnosed, the past year has been a struggle, not just for me but also Denise and the rest of our family as we contemplate what my illness means for us. I’m already a lot less active than I used to be, which is really upsetting and frustrating as it restricts what I can do with my grandchildren.

“I was relieved when I was told I was eligible for immunotherapy but I’ve even been finding that difficult to cope with as my condition deteriorates.

“It still distresses me when I think about what I’m living with, but I know nothing will change that. All I hope for now is that I can get the answers I need about how I was exposed to asbestos.  I would really appreciate if anyone I worked with could help.”

Anyone with information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Hannah Robinson at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6842 & by e-mail at hannah.robinson@irwinmitchell.com

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