Loved Ones Ask Lawyers To Secure Answers Following Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former glassmaker from Wolverhampton are appealing for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Thomas McEntee, from Penn, Wolverhampton, died after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Wife calls on lawyers to investigate husband’s illness

Following the 81-year-old’s death, his wife, Veronica McEntee, 82, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he developed the illness and if it was linked to his work history.

Veronica has now joined her legal team to appeal to her husband’s former workmates to come forward with information they may have on his working life.

They’re keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Thomas at The British Heat Resisting Glass Co. Ltd. - known as Phoenix Glass - based on Loxdale Street in Bilston, Wolverhampton in the 1960s.

Jasmine Hunte is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer supporting Veronica and her family.

Expert Opinion

“Thomas’ wife and children are still coming to terms with the death of a much-loved husband and father.

“We can’t bring Thomas back or lessen the pain Veronica and her children are going through, but we’re determined to help them uncover the facts behind his asbestos exposure and provide them with the answers they’re looking for.

“If any of Thomas’ old workmates could come forward with their recollections, it could make all the difference to the family as they continue their search for answers and for some form of closure following Thomas’ death.” Jasmine Hunte

Thomas McEntee’s story

Thomas worked as a glassmaker at The British Heat Resisting Glass Co. Ltd. factory and before his death, he told his family that the factory he worked in was a very old building with a large furnace.

Two times per shift, Thomas’ role included changing the filter that was connected to the furnace and had a white cover/sleeve, which he believed was lined with asbestos as it got very hot. Thomas also recalled that during a shut down of the factory, maintenance work was carried out on the furnace.

Thomas had to use thick gloves which he also believed were made from asbestos, in order to handle the furnace filter. The whole process generated a large amount of dust. He left the firm in the 1960s.

A family man who loved Irish music

Thomas married wife Veronica in September 1963 and the couple had four children together, Helen Hartley age 59, Adrian McEntee age 54, Damian McEntee age 52 and Nicholas McEntee age 50. Thomas had three grandchildren.

Thomas enjoyed Irish music and he was a regular member of the Emerald Social Club in Wolverhampton. Thomas also used to go to Church and attended dances at the Milner Hall in Wolverhampton each week. Thomas first met Veronica at the Milner Hall.

Thomas had always enjoyed good health, until he began to experience a cough and a loss of appetite in around April 2022. Following tests, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2022. Thomas died just over a year later at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton on 8 September 2023.

Wife Veronica pays tribute to a wonderful man, husband and father

Veronica said: “Time seems to have stood still since Thomas died. It’s still so hard to accept that he’s really gone. We’d lost Thomas and a part of our family went with him.

“Thomas was a wonderful man, a committed husband and father, he was never happier than when he was spending time with the family. We were both looking forward to doing more of that in the years left to us, but mesothelioma means that wasn’t meant to be.

“No one deserves to have the final years of their life cut short in such a horrible way.

“I know it’s some years ago now, but if anyone who worked with Thomas or at the factory could come forward, we’d be so grateful. We’re going to do all we can to get some answers and we’d appreciate any information from anyone out there who can help us.”

Anyone with information that could help Veronica, is asked to contact Jasmine Hunte at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5473 or email Jasmine.Hunte@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.