Former Textile Worker And Lawyers Appeal To Colleagues At Calico Printers And Ashton Brothers Following Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A former printer and textile worker from Manchester is appealing to his former workmates for information following his diagnosis with an asbestos-related cancer.

Barrie Taylor, from Denton, Manchester, was diagnosed in January with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Dad-of-two instructs asbestos-related disease lawyers to investigate his illness and work history

Following his diagnosis, the dad-of-two and granddad-of-4 instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and the link to his work history.

The 73-year old has now joined with his legal team to appeal for any of his former workmates to come forward.

They are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Barrie at Calico Printers Association Ltd in Buckton Vale, Carrbrook, from 1967 to 1970 and Ashton Brothers & Company Ltd at Carrfield, Hyde Factory, from 1970 to 1972. Neither company is trading any longer.

Casey Foden is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer supporting Barrie

Expert Opinion

“Barrie and his family are understandably still coming to terms with his mesothelioma diagnosis and what this means for the future.

“Sadly, we continue to be instructed by many people like Barrie whose lives have been turned upside down by exposure to asbestos, usually decades after the original exposure to the substance has taken place.

“We’re determined to support Barrie as he continues his treatment and pursues the truth about his asbestos exposure.

“If anyone who remembers working with Barrie or was employed at the same firms could come forward, it would mean a lot to Barrie and could prove vital in providing Barrie with the answers he deserves as he and his family confront his mesothelioma diagnosis.” Casey Foden

Mesothelioma: Barrie’s story

During his time at Calico Printers Association Ltd Barrie was employed as a mini screen printer.

In 1970, Barrie moved to work at Ashton Brothers & Company Limited. Barrie was involved in dealing with customer orders for the textile company and left the firm in 1972.

Both firms were based in old mills and Barrie remembers heating pipes inside the mills which may have been lagged with asbestos.

A family who love to travel and take holidays together

Barrie married Hazel in 1973 and the couple had two children. Barrie has three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Barrie and Hazel have always loved going on holiday and went on a few trips abroad every year together prior to Barrie’s diagnosis, including weekends away in York and Harrogate. The family take holidays together and are planning to go again this year with three generations of the family.

Barrie has enjoyed good health for most of his life and has played golf since he was 14, when he first joined Stamford Golf Club. He also enjoyed playing pool and bowls and continues to try and keep himself as fit and active as he can, by visiting the gym.

Barrie has always enjoyed good heath until he began to experience symptoms including a persistent cough in July 2023. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2024.

Barrie is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment.

You never imagine one day you’ll be told you have terminal cancer

Barrie said: “My mesothelioma diagnosis came as a huge shock and even now the news hasn’t really sunk in. You never imagine one day you’ll be told you have terminal cancer. That day with the doctors was one of the worst of my life.

“My wife and I are still coming to terms with what this means, and it’s caused so much upset and concern with my children and grand-children. We’ve always been a close-knit family and I couldn’t have got through the last few months without them all.

“I’m not giving up. I’m receiving treatment and spending as much time with my family as I can, while doing all I can to find out as much as possible about my asbestos exposure.

“Both my dad Frank Taylor and brother Brian also worked at Calico. Both have now passed away but my dad was the one who got me the job at Calico and was well known within the company.”

“It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers me and what they have to tell could be a huge help in finding out more about my asbestos exposure.”

Anyone with information that could help Barrie is asked to contact Casey Foden at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 259 0831 or email casey.foden@irwinmitchell.com   

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.