Family Instruct Lawyers To Investigate After Man Dies Days After Being Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

The wife of a former boat-builder is appealing to his old workmates for help following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

John White, known as Russel, died just days after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often occurring decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, Russel, of Woodbridge, Suffolk, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and if it was linked to his work history. However, he died before he could see his case concluded.

Family of former boat-builder appeal to Russel’s ex-colleagues for information

Following the 70-year-old’s death, his wife Sarah, 62 and son Tom, aged 29 are continuing the search for answers in Russel’s memory.

Sarah and Tom have now joined with their legal team to appeal to Russel’s former colleagues to come forward with information about the working conditions he would have faced.

They’re particularly keen to trace anyone who worked with Russel during his time as a shipbuilder with A V Robertson Ltd and Frank Knights (Shipwrights) Ltd, both based in Woodbridge.

Natalia Rushworth-White is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Russel’s family:

Expert Opinion

“Understandably, Sarah and Tom are still coming to terms with the loss of a much-loved husband and dad and life without him.

“Sadly, Russel’s story is another example of lives being devastated because of exposure to asbestos, often many years after the initial contact has taken place.

“Nothing will make up for their loss but we’re determined to support Sarah and Tom as they continue Russel’s search for answers.

“If anyone who worked with Russel during his career could come forward it could prove vital in providing Russel’s loved ones with some form of closure.” Natalia Rushworth-White

Mesothelioma: Russel’s story

Russel went to work for A V Robertson Ltd in 1969 and stayed with the shipbuilder for the next nine years. The firm was based at Lime Kiln Quay in Woodbridge.

A V Robertson constructed and maintained yachts as well as motorboats. Russel told his family that he believed me may have come into contact with asbestos. This included when removing rope from old boat exhausts so maintenance work could be performed. He would wrap the exhaust with new rope before trimming to the correct size.

On leaving the firm in 1978, Russel went onto work for Frank Knights (Shipwrights) Ltd, also based in Woodbridge, and stayed for 23 years, from 1978 to 2001. Both companies have ceased trading.

Russel married Sarah in 1992 and the Couple had two children together including Tom, 29, and Lucy, 27.

A keen angler who loved going on fishing holidays with his son

A keen angler, in his spare time, Russel used to enjoy going on fishing holidays with Tom every year, both in the UK and abroad. Russel also loved classic cars, particularly American models and in his early years was keen on sailing.

In his later years, the whole family would enjoy going on walking holidays together up in Derbyshire and Yorkshire and kept Russel fit and active.

Russel had enjoyed good heath until he developed a persistent cough towards the end of 2022. His cough and symptoms like pins and needles down his right side worsened through the early part of 2023.

Russel contacted his GP and was sent for tests. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma on 7 September 2023. Russel died just a few days later on 11 September, 2023 with his family by his side.

Russel’s wife Sarah pays tribute to a talented man and a wonderful husband and dad

Sarah said: “It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we lost Russel, it all still feels so raw and it’s difficult to accept we’ll never see him again.

“There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think or speak of him to keep his name and memory alive. We’re doing our best to move on, but life will never be the same for any of us without Russel.

“Russel was a talented man, a wonderful husband and dad who lived for his family and would do anything for anyone. He had such a thirst for life and he didn’t deserve to have his final years cut short by this terrible illness.

“Russel was always a practical man and as soon as he heard his diagnosis, he wasted no time in taking steps to find out more and work on establishing the truth. However, the speed at which he deteriorated took us all by surprise and robbed him of the opportunity to find the answers he was looking for.

“Finding the truth about Russel’s asbestos exposure meant so much to him. It was his last wish and Tom and I want to do everything to see it honoured.

“If anyone who worked with Russel could get in contact we’d be very grateful. We only know the details Russel gave us before he died, so any further information could make all the difference to us.”

Anyone with information on Russel’s work history should contact Natalia Rushworth-White at Irwin Mitchell on natalia.rushworth-white@irwinmitchell.com  or by calling 01223 791893.

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.