Sibling And Lawyers Back Major Mesothelioma Awareness Campaign

The family of a former Bernard Matthews worker is appealing for help to establish how he was exposed to the asbestos the claimed his life. 

Roger Lambert died from mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lung linked to exposure to asbestos, often decades previously. 

Lawyers asked to investigate Norfolk man's asbestos exposure

After he was diagnosed with the disease, Roger, of Alby, near Norwich, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether it was linked to his work history. 

Following the 70-year-old’s death, Roger’s brother, Andrew, who he lived with, has taken on his sibling’s quest for answers. 

Andrew, has now joined with his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting Action Mesothelioma Day, a major campaign that aims to reduce the number of deaths caused by the disease. 

Appeal for information on Bernard Matthews' Great Witchingham site 

To mark the day, they are appealing to Roger’s former workmates to come forward with information. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked at Bernard Matthews’ site in Great Witchingham and has information about the conditions Roger would have faced during his 30 years with the company. 

Samantha Pitts is the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Andrew.

Expert Opinion

“Roger’s death is yet another reminder of the dreadful legacy asbestos has created. While many may associate it with heavy industry its use was much more widespread.

“While nothing can make up for their loss we’re determined to provide Roger’s family with the answers they deserve. Bernard Matthews is a major employer in the area, therefore, if people could come forward with information about the conditions Roger faced in his career it could prove vital to our investigations.

“In the meantime, Action Mesothelioma Day is an important date in remembering those who have lost their lives as a result of asbestos and the dangers it still poses. Staggeringly, in the UK, there are approximately 5,000 deaths a year from asbestos-related diseases.” Samantha Pitts

Mesothelioma: Roger Lambert's story

After leaving school Roger worked at farms in the region. He joined Bernard Matthews in 1979. For most of his time he was based at the firm’s South Site where turkeys were raised, slaughtered and processed. Later, he worked at the North Site where birds were cooked for ready meals.

Roger’s main job was to truss turkeys but he had to cover absence in other departments. He told his legal team that the buildings had a lot of pipework which he believed may have been lagged in asbestos. 

He also had to sweep up after maintenance teams which included dust from lagging and cladding which had been disturbed. He left the firm in 2009.

Roger, who enjoyed gardening, started experiencing symptoms, including a cough and breathlessness. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2022. He died in September 2023.

Roger's brother appeals for information

Andrew said: “When Roger started with his symptoms we knew it may be something serious but nothing prepared him for the news it was mesothelioma. Before his diagnosis we’d not even heard of the condition, but we now know how terrible it is.

“Roger went from being an outgoing and independent person to someone totally reliant on others. It was awful to see how the cancer took hold of him and robbed him of his life. 

“Roger was determined to get to the bottom of how he came into contact with asbestos. While he couldn’t find out in time, the least I can do is take on his fight for answers. Hopefully I’ll be able to at least honour his memory. 

“If any of his ex-workmates could come forward it could make all the difference.” 

Anyone with information about the conditions Roger would have worked in should contact Samantha Pitts at Irwin Mitchell on 01223 791815 or email samantha.pitts@irwinmitchell.com
 
Action Mesothelioma Day campaigns to raise awareness of the incurable disease, remember those affected by it and help fund research into finding a cure. This year’s day is on 5 July.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by asbestos exposure at our dedicated asbestos-related disease claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.