Loved Ones And Lawyers Seek Information On LH Beal & Son, Ace Caravan Co (Hull) Ltd and ABI Caravans Ltd Following Man’s Mesothelioma Death

The family of a former joiner from Hull are appealing to his ex-workmates for help in establishing how he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Raymond Rea, from Hull, died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Sons of former joiner appeal to their dad’s ex-workmates for information

Following the 85-year-old’s death, his sons Graham and Anthony instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate Ray’s illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Ray’s family have now joined with their legal team to appeal to his former workmates to come forward with any information on the working conditions he would have faced.

They’re hoping to hear from anyone who worked with Ray during his time at L H Beal & Son Ltd from 1965 to 1972, and at Ace Caravan Co (Hull) Ltd and ABI Caravans Ltd from 1974/75 to 1999/2000.

Oliver Collett is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Ray’s loved ones.

Expert Opinion

“Ray’s death came as a shock to his family, who are still struggling to come to terms with their loss. Ray’s story is another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has left behind.

“Ray told his sons that he believed he encountered asbestos during his working life. While nothing can make up for Ray’s death, the family are keen to honour his memory by getting the answers he deserves.

“It would mean a lot if anyone with information on Ray’s career came forward. It may also prove vital in providing the family with the closure they’re looking for.” Oliver Collett

Mesothelioma: Raymond’s story

In 1965, Ray started working at the company known as Beals in Hull. Ray worked on various construction projects and would often have to cut sheeting which he believed may have contained asbestos.

In 1974/75, Ray started working at Ace Caravans as a joiner. This was a caravan company based in Hull. The company changed its name to ABI Caravans Ltd in 1975. Ray continued to work at the company as a joiner.

A family man who loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren

Outside of work, Ray was close to all of his family. Ray was married to Beryl Rea. They had 2 children – Graham and Anthony. Graham has 2 adult children and five grandchildren under five, while Anthony also has two adult children and one granddaughter. Ray loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ray started feeling shortness of breath in January 2023. Following tests and investigations, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2023.

Ray’s condition continued to worsen and he relied increasingly on his family. Raymond died five months after his diagnosis on 19 October, 2023.

Graham pays tribute to an amazing man and dad

Graham said: “Ray was an amazing man and dad. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone. More than a year on life isn’t the same without Dad.

“Dad was such a family man and it’s not been easy for any of us to cope. We miss him dearly.

“We’d never heard of mesothelioma before this but sadly we now know how dreadful it is.

“Those last few months seeing Dad deteriorating rapidly were heartbreaking.

“If anyone remembers working with Dad and could contact us, I’d be so grateful. Hopefully it means that our family can finally get some answers and closure.”

Anyone with information that could help Graham and the family is asked to contact Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 3946784 or email Oliver.Collett@IrwinMitchell.com

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