Dad-Of-Two Diagnosed With Mesothelioma Asks Lawyers To Investigate

A former engineer from Leeds is appealing to his ex-workmates for help following his diagnosis with asbestos-related cancer.

Keith Render from Leeds was diagnosed in January 2024 with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Former engineer appeals to his ex-workmates for information

Following his diagnosis, the dad-of-two and grandad-of-two instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it could be linked to his work history. The 83-year-old has now joined with his legal team to appeal to his former workmates to come forward.

They are looking to trace anyone who worked with Keith during his time at Fairburn & Lawson, based in Wellington Street, Leeds or at the Ministry of Defence Ordnance Factory in Barnbow, near Leeds.

Oliver Collett is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Keith.

Expert Opinion

“Keith is understandably still coming to terms with his mesothelioma diagnosis and what this means for him, his family and the future.

“His diagnosis is yet another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created and how it continues to impact lives.

“While we can’t change what Keith is going through, we’re committed to supporting him as he considers his treatment options and looks to establish the facts around his exposure.

“If anyone who remembers Keith or was employed in the same places could come forward, it would mean a lot to him and could prove vital in helping provide the answers he deserves.” Oliver Collett

Mesothelioma: Keith’s story

Keith joined Fairburn & Lawson as an apprentice engineer in 1955, completing his five-year apprenticeship in 1960. He worked for the firm for a further couple of years as a qualified engineer.

Fairburn & Lawson made machines for the textile industry, including spinners, card machines and rollers. There was a foundry on-site and Keith worked in the furnace department and the machine shop. He recalls both as very dusty environments.

In 1966, Keith began working for the Ministry of Defence at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Barnbow, Leeds, where he was employed as a welding inspector.

Keith said the factory, where Centurion tanks were made, had three workshops, known as East, West and Middle.

Keith was based in the West workshop which constructed the hulls of the tanks. Keith worked at the tank factory for 14 years, before leaving in 1980.

Keith married wife Patricia in September 1962 and the couple have two sons, Simon, 57, and Richard, 54.

A keen golfer with a love of gardening

In his spare time, Keith had always enjoyed playing golf, going for walks around town, gardening and spending time with the family.

Keith underwent investigations in around August 2023. Following tests, Keith was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2024.

Keith calls on people he used to work with to get in touch

Keith said: “These last few months have been some of the most difficult of my life. The mesothelioma diagnosis came as a complete surprise and has been hard for me and my family to accept, along with the realities of what this means for the future.

“The news was hard to process but now with support from my family, I’m looking at what my options are going forward and to make the most of my life. I’ve always loved gardening, golf and being outdoors and I want to carry on doing as much as I can.

“I want to use this time to find out more about my asbestos exposure. If any of the people I used to work with could get in touch, it would be great to hear from them and could mean I get the answers I deserve.”

Anyone with information that could help Keith is asked to contact Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell on Oliver.Collett@irwinmitchell.com or telephone 0113 394 6784

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.